Mechanics Hall
at 321 Main St, Worcester , 01608 United States
Address and contacts of Mechanics Hall
321 Main St
Worcester , MA 01608
United States Email
P: (508) 752-5608 Website
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Description
Mechanics Hall is a concert hall in Worcester, Massachusetts. It was built in 1857 in the Renaissance Revival style and restored in 1977. Built as part of the early nineteenth-century worker's improvement movement, it is now a concert and performing arts venue ranked as one of the top four concert halls in North America and in the top twelve between Europe and America. It also houses a recording studio.HistoryWorkers in Worcester formed the Mechanics Association in 1842 to help members develop the knowledge and skills to manufacture and run machinery in the mills. In 1857 they built Mechanics Hall to house educational and cultural activities. Mechanics Hall featured a large concert hall on the third floor. Its acoustics enabled audiences to hear speakers' voices and music distinctly without benefit of the as-yet-not-invented electronic amplifier. A pipe organ was subsequently installed in 1864. Featuring meeting rooms, a library, and two halls, the building became a hub of activity, drawing speakers from Charles Dickens to Susan B. Anthony. The superb acoustics of Mechanics Hall would attract orchestras, bands, and renowned performers from Enrico Caruso to Ella Fitzgerald, Yo Yo Ma to Mel Tormé.By the mid-20th century, downtown Worcester had declined, and the aging building fell into disfavor as a meeting place. Mechanics Hall was rented out for sporting events such as boxing, wrestling, basketball, and roller-skating. The building continued its decline, and trustees of the dwindling Mechanics Association sought to sell the property. When urban renewal threatened the hall with destruction, the Worcester Heritage Society stepped in. The community rallied around Mechanics Hall once again, raising $5 million for its restoration in 1977. Boston based architecture firm Finegold Alexander + Associates Inc completed the restoration. In reversing the decline of Mechanics Hall, Worcester halted the decline of its downtown, and the city experienced a renaissance.
Reviews for Mechanics Hall
Yenni B.
Beautiful venue with some great people working there. We had our wedding reception here on Oct 4th 2014. Be aware that they do not have any in-house... Read more
Mya T.
What a location! I was here for a Citizenship ceremony and it was a beautiful location. The balcony provided a great place to watch the ceremony. I would... Read more
Rita V.
Beautiful old building, charming. Visited the hall for the Fire Fighter of the Year ceremony. Simply charming.
Company Rating
4060 Facebook users were in Mechanics Hall. It's a 1 position in Popularity Rating for companies in Landmark & Historical Place category in Worcester, Massachusetts246 FB users likes Mechanics Hall, set it to 1 position in Likes Rating for Worcester, Massachusetts in Landmark & Historical Place category
Summary
Mechanics Hall is Worcester based place and this enity listed in Concert Venue category. Located at 321 Main St MA 01608. Contact phone number of Mechanics Hall: (508) 752-5608
Landmark & Historical Place category, Worcester
Worcester , MA 01602 United States
31 Harvard St Worcester , MA 01609 United States
The Samuel Copeland House is an historic house at 31 Harvard Street in Worcester, Massachusetts. Built c. 1847, the elaborate Greek Revival house is one two in the city with a full temple front (the other, the Arad Alexander House, is also listed). The building's facade has a full two story portico supported by four fluted Doric columns. Its triangular full pedimented gable with window framed by foliate decoration. Other windows on the main facade are topped by molded caps on consoles. The house was built by Samuel Copeland, a toolmaker who eventually founded the Copeland Hardware Manufacturing Company in c. 1865.The house was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.
31 Harvard St Worcester , MA 01609 United States
The Samuel Copeland House is an historic house at 31 Harvard Street in Worcester, Massachusetts. Built c. 1847, the elaborate Greek Revival house is one two in the city with a full temple front (the other, the Arad Alexander House, is also listed). The building's facade has a full two story portico supported by four fluted Doric columns. Its triangular full pedimented gable with window framed by foliate decoration. Other windows on the main facade are topped by molded caps on consoles. The house was built by Samuel Copeland, a toolmaker who eventually founded the Copeland Hardware Manufacturing Company in c. 1865.The house was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.