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Adrienne Arsht Centre for the Performing Arts
The Cultural Centre was envisioned in 1991. Construction started in 2001 and the US$ 500 million complex was officially opened with the opera "Aida" on the 8th. of October 2006.

There are three theatres within the complex, the Sanford and Dolores Ziff Opera Ballet House, the John and James Knight Concert Hall and the Carnival Studio Theatre. The distinctive architecture was created by the Argentine architect Cesar Pelli and the world class acustics to American Russell Thompson.

The Opera House has a capacity of 2,480 and is laid out in "horseshoe" style, similar to the world's great operas. There are four tiers, with the highest tier at 140 feet from the stage, with perfect and unobstructed vison and sound. The magnificent "Hibiscus Grand Curtain" was created by American textile artist Robert Zakanitch inspired by Miami's tropical flowers and plants. The stage is the second largest in North America and can accommodate scenery for two concurrent performances. The theatre is home to the Florida Grand Opera and Miami City Ballet, as well as a series of Broadway plays and musicals and other large scale theatrical productions.

Across busy Biscayne Boulevard, connected by a pedestrian bridge and the distinctive "Plaza of the Arts", is the Concert Hall. Slightly smaller at 2,200 with three levels, this hall is truly state of the art. Surrounded by a unique reverberation chamber, the hall can be "tuned" to represent any venue from a European cathedral to an intimate night club. The acustics here are considered amongst the finest in the world. Here the respected Cleveland Orchestra perform during their winter season, as well as Miami's famed New World Symphony under the baton of Michael Tilson Thomas. Other performances include symphony orchestras from around the world, gospel choirs, popular artists, folklore shows and chamber music.

The striking murano glass-tile mosaic mural greets you outside the Carnival Studio Theatre and was created by nonagenarian Cuban artist and Miami resident Cundo Bermudez. This small theatre for maximum 232 patrons is the most versatile. It is referred to as a "black box" in theatre terms, and can be used stadium style, theatre in the round or cabaret mode with table and chairs. It has been used for avant garde theatre, cabaret presentations, jazz sessions, performances for children and company presentations.

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Guided Tours
Saturday and Monday at 12 noon. Duration about 75 minutes. No charge. No tours on Christmas; New Year’s Day; Independence Day. Group tours available upon request.

Parking
Free parking for tour participants.

Bus/Metrorail services
Adrienne Arsht Center is located one block from the Omni Bus Terminal.
A 101 From corner Lincoln Road and Washington Avenue via Venetian Causeway to Omni Bus Terminal. Every 30 mins.
C (103) From 41st. Street via Collins Avenue and Washington Avenue to Omni Bus Terminal. Every 20 mins.
S (119) From Sunny Isles via Collins Avenue and Alton Road to Omni Bus Terminal. Every 20 mins.
Metromover service. Omni Loop from Downtown Government Centre. Frequent service from 5 a.m. to midnight.

Driving directions
From the North (Fort Lauderdale):
Take I-95 South to I-395 East/Miami Beach Exit. Take Exit #2B (Biscayne Blvd./N.E. 2nd Ave.) Continue straight to the 2nd stoplight which is Biscayne Blvd. Go left at the light and you will see the Adrienne Arsht Center.
From the South (Coral Gables & Coconut Grove):
Take US 1 to I-95 North to exit #2D (Miami Beach) toward exit #2B (Biscayne Blvd./US-1/N.E. 2nd Ave.). Continue straight to the 2nd stoplight on Biscayne Blvd. Turn left at the light and you will see the Adrienne Arsht Center.
From the East (Miami Beach):
Take MacArthur Causeway West and exit onto Biscayne Boulevard. Go straight to Biscayne Blvd and you will see the Center on your right.
From the West (Airport Area):
Take SR 836 East to I-395 East/Miami Beach Exit. Take Exit #2A (Biscayne Blvd./N.E. 2nd Ave.) Continue straight to the 2nd stoplight on Biscayne Blvd. Turn left at the light and you will see the Adrienne Arsht Center .

Address and Contacts:
Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts
1300 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami, FL 33132
Tour Information - T: 786-468-2285 - EMail - vtours@arshtcenter.org
Box Office (tickets) - T 305-949-6722

Link to Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts

Arsht Center exterior view	Historic Sears Tower

Arsht Center Opera House	Arsht Center Concert Hall

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