Whether you’re craving the toe-tapping beats of a Broadway show or the soothing sounds of a symphony orchestra, the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts is the place to go for soul-stirring music and theater.
It has been the beating heart of Raleigh’s Performing Arts community for decades and offers world-class performances throughout the year and is the cultural beacon for Downtown Raleigh. But the Martin Marietta is not just one venue, but four, and each offers something special and unique.
To help you plan a visit to the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts, we’ve prepared this guide on each venue, where to park, what you can and can’t bring, and where to eat and stay nearby.
About Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts
The Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts (MMCPA), previously known as Duke Energy Performing Arts Center until March 2023, has been a staple institution in downtown Raleigh for almost a century.
It’s owned by the City of Raleigh, who own, manage, and operate the entire Raleigh Convention and Performing Arts Complex, which also includes the nearby Raleigh Convention Center, Coastal Credit Union Music Park, and Red Hat Amphitheater.
It’s a premier venue that hosts more than 600 events and attracts more than 400,000+ visitors a year. It hosts everything from Broadway musicals to stand-up comics, from orchestras to classic rock legends, this influential venue is the place to go for entertainment downtown.
It’s home to five resident companies: Carolina Ballet, North Carolina Opera, North Carolina Symphony, NC Theatre, and PineCone.
But it’s not just one venue, it’s actually four event spaces and theatres combined under one roof.
Note: Tickets are primarily sold via Ticketmaster, or in person at the Martin Marietta Center Box Office – if you book in person, there won’t be any online fees. You should also be aware that prices change depending on demand, aka they go up when they’re nearly sold out. So, try to book in advance to get a better deal.
Another thing to note is the entire venue is cashless, which means they only access credit or debit cards, or mobile pay.
Raleigh Memorial Auditorium
The Raleigh Memorial Auditorium is where it all began – and the history is quite fascinating.
In 1932, the construction of the Raleigh Memorial Auditorium was completed on the grounds of the former Governor’s Palace (1815) and the Centennial School (1876-1885). It cost $300,000 to build and was built to replace the old City Auditorium which burned down in 1930.
Because the old theater burned down, when the Raleigh Memorial Auditorium was constructed, a fire station was added to the rear, nestled under the stage, and it was named Memorial Auditorium in honor of the soldiers who died in WW1.
The City of Raleigh saved building a new fire station by combining the facilities and gave the auditorium peace of mind with 24-hour watchmen.
The parking areas at the rear of the building were designed to be used as training grounds and a drill tower, and also where the fire department kept the aerial ladder truck. And in 1969 a fire station was built on Pecan Street and the station in the theater closed.
Over the years, the center has undergone so many renovations that remnants of this fire station are no longer visible. The last renovation took place in 2016.
Today, the Raleigh Memorial Auditorium can seat a capacity of 2,354 people.
It has hosted many globally recognized arts and performances over the years, including Frank Sinatra, Jerry Seinfeld, and Norah Jones, as well as Broadway favorites like Les Misérables, The Phantom of the Opera, and The Lion King.
Meymandi Concert Hall
Home of the North Carolina Symphony, the Meymandi Concert Hall is a shoebox venue that has been designed with acoustics in mind, providing guests with the clearest and most immersive sound experience possible.
It seats a capacity of 1,587 people and has hosted many international artists such as Bryan Adams, Dave Chapelle, and the Backstreet Boys.
I used to take my fifth-grade students from Johnston County here every year for a symphony performance. They loved it. We’ve also seen Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets as performed by the NC Symphony while the movie is showing. That is such a fantastic experience!
A.J. Fletcher Opera Theater
A smaller venue in the MMCPA with a capacity of 600 seats is the A.J. Fletcher Opera Theater, which has intimate ballet, opera, and comedy performances.
This unique venue on the east side of the center allows everyone in the room to have a good view of the stage, whether you’re sitting in the circle, or on the farthest balcony, you’re still less than 70 feet from the stage. It’s also home to the Carolina Ballet and NC Opera.
We also attend several business type events here including the annual State of Downtown Raleigh Alliance and the Raleigh Chamber of Commerce annual meeting. It’s a great event space and I love the foyer with its glass floor to ceilings windows for networking.
I also had the pleasure of keynoting the annual NC Lottery convention on what makes Raleigh so great in this theater!
Kennedy Theatre
The Kennedy Theatre often gets overlooked as a venue because it has an intimate capacity of 144 seats. This black box theatre is primarily used for rehearsal space and regional theater productions.
The venue is only 40 x 60 feet in size, making it the ultimate intimate theater experience. It’s also often used for video shoots and private events.
The Kennedy Theatre is where they host the Dessertery – an all you can holiday-themed dessert cafe – every Christmas in Raleigh.
Christmas at Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts
Christmas is a magical time of year at the Martin Marietta Center. It’s gigantic lighted Christmas tree, lighted columns of green and red on the facade, and illuminated sculptures draws residents from all over Wake County to soak up the holiday spirit. There is a plethora of holiday events on including:
- The lighting of the Christmas tree with live music, Santa, and pop-up holiday markets
- Illuminate Art Walk
- A Christmas Carol by Theatre in the Park performance
- Several versions of the Nutcracker ballet by Carolina Ballet and Cary Ballet Company
- The Dessertery Cafe
Where is the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts?
The Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts is located at 2 E South St, Raleigh, two blocks away from the bustling Fayetteville Street in downtown Raleigh.
Drive times to Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts from nearby towns:
- From Cary to MMCPA: 11.5 miles (15 minutes drive)
- From Apex to MMCPA: 14.7 miles (17 minutes drive)
- From Wake Forest to MMCPA: 19 miles (20 minutes drive)
- From Durham to MMCPA: 28.5 miles (30 minutes drive)
Where to park for Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts?
There are multiple parking lots at the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts which are signposted with “Event Parking” signs. The closest one is located here, directly across from Meymandi Concert Hall.
There are many parking garages directly across on South Street and on the corner of Salisbury and South Street, you can also park in the parking garage for the Raleigh Convention Center, two blocks away.
You will find accessible parking on the first level of each garage and each parking lot typically costs $10.00 per car.
There is also a drop-off area in front of Lichtin Plaza, but no waiting, this is a strictly no-parking zone. Here is our guide to parking in Downtown Raleigh.
Box office opening hours
The current box office opening hours are 10:00am – 2:00pm, Monday to Friday.
Bag policy
To ensure the safety and security of visitors, the MMCPA has a strict bag policy. You cannot bring a bag larger than 12″ x 12″ x 10″ into the venue and all bags are searched on arrival. You can also NOT bring the following items into the venue:
- Weapons of any kind
- Outside food and beverage
- Balloons
- Backpacks
- Camera bags
- Cameras with detachable lenses
Diaper bags and medically necessary bags are allowed when accompanied by a child but will be searched and tagged.
Where to eat and pre-drink before a show
The Lounge
The Lounge is a private pre-show experience when visiting the MMCPA, featuring lush decor and a complimentary drink for guests.
It opens 90-minutes before a show and also during the intermissions, and serves top-shelf spirits, wines, and beer. It also has complimentary light bites for guests.
You do need to have a ticket to a show in order to purchase a ticket for The Lounge and should be purchased as an add-on at the same time as when you buy a ticket either online or at the box office. It’s an additional $35 for access to this experience.
Vic’s Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria
Vic’s Italian
If you want something close by, then Vic’s is only a 10-minute walk away. Vic’s Italian is one of our favorite pizza places in Raleigh, especially for New York-style pizza.
It’s also a historic restaurant in Raleigh, run by a family of Italians who moved to Raleigh in 1998 and using recipes that have been passed down through generations. It would make for a perfect date night restaurant before an evening show or for a hearty lunch before a matinee.
Element Gastropub
If you’re looking for vegan food, then Element is the only totally vegan and plant-based gastropub in Raleigh and it’s the closest restaurant to the Martin Marietta.
Their extensive menu includes popular Southern dishes such as BBQ plates, fried “chicken” sandwiches, and smash burgers. They have a lovely outdoor patio that’s perfect for a summer’s day before a matinee.
The Raleigh Times
Another staple restaurant in Raleigh that has been a popular watering hole for decades is The Raleigh Times. WE ate here before attending a Christmas Carol with Craig’s parents.
Named after the former newspaper that occupied the 100-year-old building the restaurant is found in, this multi-level restaurant serves American pub fare with a warming ambiance.
Decorated with antique memorabilia, and exposed brick walls, it would be the ideal setting for a date, dinner with friends or family, or just a quick bite to eat before a show. Good burgers – they make all their patties from scratch!
Transfer Co. Food Hall
If you’re heading to the theater with a group, then Transfer Co. Food Hall is a good choice, because it’s only a 15-minute walk away and it’s also home to an award-winning vendor roster from nationally acclaimed restaurateurs.
Everyone can choose different cuisines and dine together under one roof. Ideal for fussy eaters or those who can’t decide on what they feel like eating.
Read more: Our Favorite Downtown Raleigh Restaurants for All Tastes!
Where to stay near Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts
Residence Inn Raleigh Downtown
We’ve stayed at the Residence Inn in downtown Raleigh a few times and we’ve always been impressed by its cozy suites and friendly and welcoming staff. Since it’s operated by Marriott, a well-known luxury hotel chain, you can definitely feel the upscale vibes. It’s an aparthotel, meaning all accommodation is a suite room with kitchens and a living area.
It has a lovely rooftop where you can enjoy pre-show drinks before walking just two blocks to the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts. Read our full review here: The Residence Inn, Raleigh Downtown.
2 BR Flat in downtown Raleigh
This two-bedroom flat is in the perfect location in downtown Raleigh in a two-story walk up building. It’s right across the street from the PNC Plaza and is within walking distance of the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts, as well as the bars, restaurants, and nightlife of Moore Square area. You can also walk to Morgan Street Food Hall, Transfer Co. Food hall, and the Marbles Kids Museum. The condo comes with a fully stocked kitchen, smart Tv’s, and a laundry room.
Sheraton Raleigh Hotel
Just down the street is the Sheraton, another luxury hotel with a sleek design. We love the huge light-filled atrium, which features an industrial-style brick design.
They offer a great buffet breakfast each day, and we personally found the staff to be really helpful. The rooms are comfortable, but smaller than the two Marriot options mentioned above. Read our full review of the Sheraton Raleigh Hotel on Fayetteville St.
Raleigh Marriott City Center
Another hotel in downtown that’s just a short walk from the MMCPA is the Marriott Raleigh City Center, which is a 2-minute walk from Raleigh Convention Center and within walking distance to the restaurants and bars on Fayetteville Street.
It has an indoor pool, a fitness center, and an onsite restaurant serving up Southern cuisine which is perfect for a preshow dinner. Rooms are spacious and feature contemporary furnishings.
Read more: Check out these Best Downtown Raleigh Hotels (Business or Leisure)
You can use the following map to find more Raleigh hotels as well as vacation rentals.
FAQs About Visiting Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts
How to dress for the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts?
There is no dress code for the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts, but it’s recommended you wear business casual. You would not look out of place if you dressed up, or if you wore jeans and a t-shirt.
Is the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts accessible?
Yes, Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts is accessible, with wheelchair-accessible seating in each theatre. When choosing tickets, be sure to select an accessible seat when booking online by applying the filters on selection, or visit the Box Office for assistance.
Can I bring a camera to the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts?
The policy of the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts is that cameras with detachable lenses and camera bags are prohibited, but compact cameras and phone cameras are ok.
Read more: Awesome Music Venues in Raleigh: Where To Find Great Gigs! and Raise The Curtain For The Best Theatres In Raleigh: Where To Catch A Show
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