The Overture Center is the nexus point for just about the entire Madison art scene (the larger rock bands play at Camp Randall Stadium). Ten different artistic companies are in residence at the Overture, including Madison Ballet, the Madison Symphony Orchestra, Madison Opera, and the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra.
The Overture Center opened in 2004 as a somewhat controversial replacement for the old Madison Civic Center. It sits on an entire State Street block, and is comprised of seven performance venues, four visual art galleries and the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art. The 2200-seat Overture Hall is the largest of the venues, regularly hosting national acts like Yo-Yo Ma and Lewis Black; the most interesting might be the Capitol Theater, a restored 1928 movie theater – complete with original pipe organ – which occasionally hosts silent film nights. (JM)
- Public Transportation: Excellent (easily accessible from buses 11, 27 and 28 at State Street/Johnson Street; bus 81 at Henry Street/Gorham Street; and buses 38 and 82 at Broom Street/Johnson Street)
- Handicapped Accessibility: Good
- Performances/Programs: More than 200 performances per year
- Ticket Prices: Performances are priced individually, and range from free to over $100
- Subscriptions: The Overture Center offers a Flex Subscription plan that gives you discounts on any four tickets for Broadway shows and performances presented by Overture. Prices vary by show, venue, and seat selection. Most resident companies have their own subscriptions that can be found on their respective websites.
