Hubby & I've been here off and on over the years. We've sat in different sections depending on who's performing and how easy or difficult it is to get ahold of tickets. Two nights ago we saw George Benson as part of this season's SF Jazz concert series. We sat in Tier 1, row B, seats 12 & 14. Not bad. No heads blocking and the last two seats in the row with the wall to the right. Living in the City we took the Muni Metro getting off at Van Ness station. It's was an quick walk to Davies from and back. Under 10 minutes. Located at Civic Center with City Hall, SF Opera House, Graham Auditorium, and SF Jazz as neighbors. read more

Davies Symphony Hall - Performing Arts Near Me - San Francisco, California

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My friend from Taiwan invited me to a concert held here and it was three hours of nostalgic awesomeness! Classy setting. The acoustics in the theatre is great and the staff's very helpful. I haven't been in here for a very long time and always thought it's only for symphonies and orchestras! read more

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Review #3,000 goes to the music venue I visited on field trips during my time in the SF public school system (we won't discuss my brief stint in Catholic school.) Davies Symphony Hall attracts patrons of all ages. Their programming isn't limited to classical overtures; the SF Symphony plays live scores for a variety of films with Christmas faves & the "Harry Potter" franchise being especially popular. I also saw "A Tribute to the Beatles" where the crowd's energy indeed felt like BeatleMania. As to be expected, the acoustics are fantastic. And while box seats or up front in the orchestra section are closest to the action, I've found 2nd tier seating offers the most visually-stunning views of the stage's backdrop. An iconic building in San Francisco, a world-class symphony, & a jam-packed calendar of musical events. Get thee to the symphony! read more

Davies Symphony Hall - A Tribute to the Beatles - Performing Arts Near Me - San Francisco, California

Amazing event! Deck the Halls! Many trees decorated the corridors of the Orchestra and 1st Tier level. A great show with boys & girls choir singing to live Symphony music. Many cultures represented! A band or mariachis, a Jewish dance troupe, trio of male ballet dancers and quartet of young performers. This was a great way to celebrate the holidays with family, friends and a little food (treats at the VIP level of ticket) and hot cocoa or something bubbly like champagne or apple cider. read more

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Great venue and beautiful music. Thankful to my friend who took me as her +1 to attend the Lyle Lovett with Davies Symphony recently. Haven't been to this venue for a while now and it's still stunning. Enjoyed my evening. Located on Van Ness and Grove. read more

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Davies Symphony Hall is such an incredible venue to experience live music. I saw Jacob Collier here recently and the whole night felt magical. The acoustics were phenomenal--every note just filled the space perfectly. The design of the theater is so elegant and makes the whole experience feel special from the moment you walk in. Since I went in the fall, they also had some beautiful Día de los Muertos art exhibits throughout the hall, which was such a nice touch. I can't wait to come back for another show! read more

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Wow my first time at davies symphony hall for an orchestra and movie showing of the holiday with hans Zimmer music! I was so blown away by the majesty of the building. It was truly decked out for the holidays with Christmas trees personally decorated by different children and organizations. The speaker quality was incredible, the orchestra was simply amazing and the it was such a fun outing! The location is convenient from Bart and they even have a group that walks to Bart after if you want company! read more

Came here to see Jon Batiste perform and ngl--I was not prepared for how stunning Davies Symphony Hall would be! From the moment we walked in, the vibe was elegant but not stuffy. The meet-and-greet experience was top-notch--super smooth and well organized. The hall itself? Absolutely gorgeous. Spacious, modern, and acoustically on point. There's a full bar (bonus!) and even some food options, which I didn't expect. Drinks were definitely pricey, but honestly, worth it for the full experience and ambiance. Bathrooms are all-gender (love that) and pretty clean, especially for a big venue. We had second-row seats--chef's kiss. The whole night felt magical. I'd 100% come back, whether for another concert or just to soak in the vibe of this beautiful space. Oh and coast check available--payment in the form of gratuities read more

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If I could put zero stars i would. So my husband and I came here tonight and I went to get some water. Well then I was told by Richard I couldn't come back in until intermission. Which was 20 minutes. There is NO sign, NO one told us you can't come back in if you have to go potty or get some water. I was upset. I had to text my husband to tell him the situation. This was unacceptable. I like coming here. Put signs up saying you can't come back if you need to get water or potty. read more

Davies Symphony Hall - Inside - Performing Arts Near Me - San Francisco, California

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What a beautiful venue! We came here for a show and I was really impressed with the building and staff. Entry and exit were very easy and staff were extremely friendly and helpful. There didn't appear to be a bad seat in the house! Acoustics sounded good too. I don't know how often they'll have an act that I'm interested in, but I'd definitely return. It was a fantastic experience. read more

Call this a ten-year anniversary update and how things have changed. I've been here once before my recent visit after 2020 to watch a legend perform. More on that later. My previous visit was in 2019, just before the world changed. I was astounded by the scheduled feature vocalist who, due to a medical emergency, cancelled. Instead, R&B singer Brian McKnight filled in. It was a nice performance, boosted by a coincidental show I saw earlier that year where a comedian led a sing-along on his hit "Back at One". Needless to say, I grinned when he started this song. It's always nice to hear holiday music as I had the good fortune to hear the vocalist who played Aaron Burr on Broadway last year. Fast forward to now, Paul Simon hosted three performances here during his tour. We arrived a little before the scheduled door opening at 7 pm and waited at the doors just outside the box office lobby. When the doors opened, the crowd around us flowed to the left to the entrance of the venue. We decided to use the restroom just past the ticket checkers before heading upstairs to the semi-circle walkway leading to the hall doors. Following the signs, walked to the left towards our section and share a table (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q&start=0&select=rd2jXq8J8snAJV0yuoFgCg) with a couple in waiting for the ushers to open access. Before going in, we stopped at a photo opp display and took photos. When the doors opened here (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q&start=0&select=JHctwRbYHcT50AgH3U41nA), the two ladies pointed audience members to the right direction to reach their seats. After being seats a little less than an hour before the performance, I wondered at the beauty of this hall from the stage and front (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q&start=0&select=2EE9qv_2ILIo8lWMZkU8GQ) to the loge sections above us (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q&start=0&select=xoUesRWLVVHU76vLItn0Ng), (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q&start=0&select=Y8iv42MUroL4QQKxb_4Z5Q). It was nice revisiting this modern institution of San Francisco's once vibrant culture scene. I am glad that it's maintained well and able to book more contemporary performers with the changing audience taste for the arts. I've noticed several movie theme nights which piqued my interest as well as young soloists and musical groups. I will do a review on Paul Simon's performance in a separate review but, for now, I must give a thumbs up to the experience here. read more

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Beautiful symphony hall with fantastic acoustics. Seating is padded and relatively comfortable with decent leg room, but I do wish they were spaced slightly further apart as I have broad shoulders. I love that they allow drinks (with lid) in the hall, but I do wish they had more bars. The lines can be 15-20 minutes or more, sometimes making it impossible to order during intermission or even before the show unless you arrive quite early. The SF Symphony is outstanding. I especially love their new movie soundtrack performances. read more

San Francisco is so fortunate to have this amazing venue and a world class symphony. They do such a nice job putting on interesting shows, and doing things in the lobby area areas that make going to the symphony fun. Don't forget to go up to the top level and stand out on the balcony and look at the amazing City Hall building across the street. read more

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Love Davies Symphony Hall!! Here for Lyle Lovett and his Acoustic Group with the San Francisco Symphony tonight. Sitting in the premiere orchestra and it's very centrally located. The acoustics are great. Love this venue! read more

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Visited Davies Symphony Hall for the first time to attend Studio Ghibli. Ticket check in once doors opened was smooth and easy. Got them scanned at the entrance and walked on in. Before making your way to your seats, there is a beautiful multilevel lobby space where you can hang out and order drinks from a bar. The space wraps around the shape of the building. Made our way to our seats in the auditorium. This space was also stunning. Elegant, refind, and a mix of modern and classical design. From our seats in the orchestra, I found that the sound was well amplified. Growing up watching Studio Ghibli, it was incredibly surreal to see Joe Hisaishi live. The whole time, memories of my childhood popped up while listening to the music. read more

Davies Symphony Hall - Performing Arts Near Me - San Francisco, California

I've been to countless symphonies here over the decades. Went recently and it was all decked out for Día de los Muertos. Acoustics are great here. Every seat (even the nosebleeds) is guaranteed to be a great audio experience. The only caveat is when amplified music (like rock) is being performed. It doesn't translate well in the hall. But, most of the time (except during the summer pops programs) you don't have to worry about that. If you aren't into classical music you can still checkout the Summer Pops, Christmas Holidays and Film series. Each of these performances tend to be contemporary in nature and may or may not include the symphony. Pro tip. If the crowd gets too heavy exiting out the front entrance, turn around and exit out of the Van Ness street side. Usually hardly anyone is walking out those doors. read more

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I don't remember too much about the first time I went to Davies Symphony Hall. I recall it was in elementary or one of my young days school field trips. But I have been here a few more times while I've been an adult. A couple times for Final Fantasy Orchestra music which was fantastic. Another time for a Bach symphony. This latest time we went for Encanto in Concert. L O C A T I O N Davies Symphony Hall is located relatively around City Hall. If you go at least an hour to half an hour in advanced, we luckily found street parking a few blocks away! It was pretty cheap for 3-4 hours. Can't complain as it was in a safe area and it wasn't $20. The entrance is located off of the side street. They didn't actually do any bag checks which was weird and I'm bummed because I really wanted to bring a bottled water. I think since it was a show that's more for kids, they weren't as strict. I N S I D E Depending on your seats, you have to climb some stairs but there are elevators. There were areas to buy drinks and snacks. Note that Loge seating gives you a separate area where there's additional waiting area seating as well as your own bar/drinks area. We didn't know so we ended up not partaking. I believe there's also a restroom in the area. We sat in the second Row of Loge on Section J which was nice because Row A which is the first row had a bar which kind of blocked the view. I'm sure any seat would've been good as the sounds inside the hall resonates pretty well. S H O W So specifically for this show, it was fun. They had one intermission. But at times I wondered, it feels like I'm just watching a movie....but more expensive. Ha! Oh well, it made us go out of the house which is good and sometimes, the price is worth the experience. O V E R A L L Definitely nice to go out to the city to see a show. Any seat is good so feel free to get the nose bleeders unless you REALLY want to see the movie or the folks on stage. But overall, good venue with good sound. read more

Davies Symphony Hall - Outside - Performing Arts Near Me - San Francisco, California

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I hadn't been to Davies Symphony Hall since I was a kid. Back then, it felt fancy. Tonight I went back for a show, and honestly nothing's changed. The same sinking uncomfortable seats from years ago. The sound system that was once top-tier now feels outdated. Sitting there for two hours is just rough. On top of that, there's a new "no phone" rule where you actually have to lock up your phone. It's not that serious... Your 100 signs are enough. The staff weren't exactly welcoming either, more stern than friendly. I came for a concert, not a courtroom. Add in no parking nearby, filthy streets on the walk over (literally covered in piss and diarrhea), SF is just not the vibe. read more

My daughter and her hubby having a anniversary soon and since I was visiting from Las Vegas I thought taking them to Davies Hall would be grand. Music from Hans Zimmer movies. Wonderful. What stood out was we could see all the musicians. They are on portable platforms so you see them playing and they sure did play. Guest conductor a woman which is unique, Sarah Hicks and she enjoyed as much as we did. We sat in orchestra and it was grand. Had dinner right down the street so convenient. So smart to develop the Hayes Valley neighborhood. So dinner and a symphony . Happy Anniversary Maia and Jason. Beautiful building. Quite special. Years ago I was a very active volunteer when I lived there and so many delightful memories! read more

not really the venues fault, but I am not able to review those people at Stubhub...So I bought my tix back in March for the 2nd night of the Yea h Yeah Yeahs. Finally the event date arrives, we go for dinner then the show. I get my tix from the stubhub app (QR code), and when it's time to scan at the door we were rejected. What? Why? It seems that you need a bar code to get in and not a QR code. The host points to the wall and says all those people are having the same problem, you need to call Stubhub customer service and talk to someone to send you the correct bar code to get in. Long story short, the wait continues to see the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. I finally got ahold of someone at customer service and explain the situation, the only thing that they can offer is the money back refund, thank the Lord for the fan guarantee. Have not seen the refund yet, so we'll see what happens. Again, not the venues problem, but goddamn...I waited months for this event. read more

I attended a showing of Encanto with music by the San Francisco Symphony. I ordered my tickets online and had them mailed to me. It wasn't immediately clear which entrance to use. For some reason, everyone has to enter near the box office even if they already have tickets. Makes things a bit crowded right before the doors open. The elevators are slow enough to make you wonder if they ate working before they arrive. I found my seat, and it had a good view. The seats are a bit old, and as is standard in most theaters, they aren't very wide. It was a decently comfortable seat. The Orchestra itself was wonderful. I'd gladly seen another concert or movie with concert here. They had great energy and enthusiasm, and it looked like they were having fun with the music. At intermission I sought out food and drinks. The line for food was very long. It took most of intermission to wait on it. I ordered a sandwich and a soda. I ate half my sandwich and was about to head back in, but then I was told no eating in the theater. They did allow me to close the box and bring it with me, after offering to hold the food for me. They should have signs near the food stands warning people they only have intermission to eat. They offer main courses, but there's no time to eat them. I didn't see if the food stands were open before the show. If so, that would be the better time to eat as the doors open an hour before showtime. There are doors from the second tier that open onto lovely balconies with great views. Be sure to take a look. Overall, it was a great evening. I'd return, though I'd love to see a few minor organizational and signage changes. read more

Davies Symphony Hall - View from 1st row of the 2nd tier - Performing Arts Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Beautiful auditorium. Amazing sound and acoustics. Love going to hear musical performances here again and again. Close to Bart and dining.

Always a wonderful time to visit SF Symphony. Today we came for the Colors of Christmas, which has become an annual event. This year the dates were a week earlier than in past years, so we were a little disappointed to not be able to see the Christmas trees being decorated by the schools in the Bay Area. However, on one of the top floors, you can walk out on the balcony and have a great view of the surrounding buildings including City Hall and along Van ness road. Always a wonderful place to visit during the festive season. read more

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Gorgeous building especially at night. We scored last minute tickets to see Amadeus. Though our seats were last row in the balcony, I did not mind them at all. The movie was made more lovely with the accompanying symphony. Warning, drinks and food are quite pricey! I did not expect the event to be 3 hours long. Parked at the underground garage nearby for $17. read more

Davies Symphony Hall - Climb up to our seats - Performing Arts Near Me - San Francisco, California

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We were at Peabo and friends tonight at Davies Symphony Hall. The show was fabulous until Sheena Easton came on stage. It was so disappointing. There are so many beautiful singers out there and why he chooses to put her on stage is beyond me. The rest of the performers were fabulous. Far beyond her caliber. I paid $200 for that show. I'm so disappointed. Sheena claimed she had a cold but its obvious Her voice was done many many many years ago. read more

An absolutely magical experience here when seeing the live orchestra play Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. It was my first time seeing a film concert series and it blew me away. At some points, I was so immersed that I forgot there was an orchestra playing! The venue is beautiful and everything was very clean. Bathrooms were easy to find and access. I was seating in Loge L, I believe, and it was perfect. They sell food and drinks at the bar and snack bar in the lobby, but they're pretty overpriced, as expected. If possible, I recommend taking a pass on the food. (Tip: There's free water dispensers and cups around the bar, so please don't make the mistake of buying water like I did.) The orchestra did an amazing job! The conductor encouraged the audience to cheer for our favorite characters and the audience engagement was amazing and made everything so much more fun. Would definitely come back again! read more

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This place has a lot of history to it, and of course, home of the world-renowned SF Symphony, it is ideally set up for musical performances, with acoustic panels along the ceiling and other architectural details inside the auditorium. But I didn't come here for a concert this past weekend. Instead, we attended "Whose Live Anyway?" The show included hilarious performances by beloved cast members from the improv series, Whose Line Is It Anyway?, including Greg Proops, Drew Carey, and my fave, Ryan Stiles. It was unpredictable, exciting, and inappropriate in all the right ways, and had me laughing my ass off the entire time. Laura Hall, the original pianist for the comedy series, showcased her musical talents on stage as part of the show, demonstrating just how phenomenal the sounds are at Davies Symphony Hall. Seats are simple yet comfortable, no cupholders, but a good amount of legroom (I sat in row C in front of the stage). There are also high tables and a bit of seating in the lobby, where they sell snacks and beverages on event day. I tried the Beautiful Blues specialty cocktail, and it was decent and pretty strong in alcohol. Service was quick and efficient, and the line moved quickly at the bar. I know I'll be back to watch the SF Symphony perform here in the future, but for now, I'm left with the memory of a good ol' hoedown about the fog (suggested by an audience member of course as something to love about SF, lol). read more

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Beautiful and the acoustics are wonderful. The staff that stand around and watch you during a recent symphony performance were a little rude, but the hall is clean and well maintained read more

I have been to this all several times with my daughter. We have always had an amazing experience. We drive from Sacramento. Love coming to this symphony Hall. We have sat at lower level and second level there really is no bad seat in this symphony Hall. read more

The music for A Charlie Brown Christmas at Davies Symphony Hall was terrific and reminded me why Charlie Brown is so beloved. Unfortunately the performance itself was mediocre and often distracting, which took away from the experience. For a show at this venue and at this price I expected much better. Despite the great music it was a disappointment and not worth the money I paid. read more

Such a beautiful venue!! Stunning. Drinks were very pricey though. I'd go back for sure, but drink before the show!

Amazing acoustics in a lovely concert space! The San Francisco Symphony never disappoints.

Beautiful symphony hall! I've been here for several concerts, including the Zelda Symphony, Final Fantasy, and most recently the Pixar Concert. It's gorgeous and clean, and right next to the Opera House. It's not far from Civic Center, which is also home to City Hall and the Asian Art Museum. Bart is very close by. Definitely planning to come for more concerts, as I've always enjoyed the concerts here. read more

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Watched an SFGMC concert at Davies Symphony Hall in this San Francisco iconic building that was nice not only on the outside but also on the inside. The building looked very well kept and maintained, clean, and staff were really nice and friendly. The acoustic from the orchestra area sounded really nice. This is definitely one of the nicest venues that I've ever been to for concerts. Definitely two thumbs up. read more

Davies Symphony Hall - Overlooking City Hall - Performing Arts Near Me - San Francisco, California

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This place is amazing for events but... Seriously the chairs are super uncomfortable. Sorry. Had to say it. Maybe it's just me because I have arthritis in my back? But seriously I ask other people and they mention that they get pretty uncomfortable too. A lot of times I'll get a booth just so I can spread my legs out but the place definitely could get some better seats sometime. Doubt they'll be renovating anytime soon but just a thought. Aside from that I love this place. Me and my girl come here at least once or twice a year for a movie or symphony. I always appreciate how nice people are if you are having a hard time finding your seat. Still waiting for you guys to have another Distant Worlds show after you canceled it at the start of covid...~stares~ read more

Davies Symphony Hall - Performing Arts Near Me - San Francisco, California

The bows are hypnotically rising and falling over their instruments, the conductor's magic wand is waving mysteriously over the symphony, and music is wafting softly through Davies Hall. We are here for Schubert and Beethoven. We have not attended a show here for over a decade back when we used to get the cheap seats up behind the orchestra. A decade later we can afford a box seat, and we are in box seat A, which I can recommend to you. The bottom box seats are on the orchestra level. Each box holds only four people. The seats one and two in box seats A, or the seats in any of the boxes next to the aisle are most coveted as it's a clear view to the stage. There are four coat hooks before you go into your box so you do not have to coat check if you have a box seats. If you do want to coat check that is located at the entrance downstairs. The upper level box seats hold more people per box and are further away from the stage. Years ago, you were not allowed to take your drink into the hall. Even their website still says the same. However, now there are compostable cups on fold out tables before you enter the hall where you can pour your glass drink from the bar and lid it up to sip during the show. What a relief that we don't have to down our drinks beforehand, or in the short intermission anymore! You do want to pre-order your drink before the show otherwise there is a huge line at the bar during the short intermission. Only a few people like us actually preordered their intermission drinks so we had our drinks waiting for us on reserved round tables when we came out. Just look for your name card. The restrooms are down the stairs and there are plenty of stalls, so there was no line either of the times I went to use the women's restroom. The hall itself is tired and outdated. It's not cool vintage, but old 70s or 80s style that could definitely use an uplift. Most of the patrons are not dressed up so it feels more like going to a school concert than a fancy symphony hall. The sound is more muffled than I would have liked. The full symphony is playing their best, but it feels more like background music. My mind is racing on other thoughts as though I'm at home with TV on in the background. It would be more engaging if they turned the volume up! It is easy to take the BART here or catch a car share ride as you're right in the middle of the city. read more

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Ahhh I love this concert hall!!! Such a beautiful venue. I was here for the "Distant Worlds: Music From Final Fantasy" touring symphony concert. My seat was G2 (see photo). Fantastic view of the orchestra, but I think I would've preferred to sit a few more rows up as a couple of the musical instruments sounded a bit too harsh for me and looking at the center of the projecting screen that's behind the orchestra required a little neck strain. Still very much enjoyed the whole show though. Of course I had to explore the venue during intermission. Amazing view of the whole concert hall in the second tier seating area, but being up this high did make me feel a little woozy. Overlooking the hall from the first tier seating area felt much better; I definitely wouldn't mind sitting here. If there was another concert here that I wanted to go to I probably would choose a seat here just to try it out. Don't bank on parking in the Performing Arts Garage unless you arrive really early. I arrived there 30 min before the concert and parking attendants were allowing admittance only to cars who had a parking permit or paid for parking here online in advance. The Civic Center Plaza Garage has much more parking spots and I had no probably finding one there. read more

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Sounded very nice. Would recommend to visit and listen to the orchestra. I would consider it a good experience and one people should go to.

Beautiful environment..enjoyed a wonderful paul Simon..an "intimate evening"..great seats, great acoustics..I could see him. Perfectly..very comfortable seating..easy access if you have any difficulty navigating concerts etc...allowed to keep my phone..temperature of theatre perfect..I love this venue be it the Nutcracker over Christmas or paul Simon concert..go over Christmas to look at the trees etc..I go back just for that.. read more

Came here last night to watch "Who's Live Anyway?" and as soon as I walked into the lobby, I was mesmerized. This is a gorgeous place. The balconies look like lego pieces. The staff was friendly and helpful when it came to finding my seat in the orchestra section. The seats aren't the most comfortable. I can't imagine watching a full film in these seats.I would probably get a side box seat just to relax my legs. read more

Davies Symphony Hall - Performing Arts Near Me - San Francisco, California