Taking Baltimore to the Next Stage
The Realization of Vision
In early 2004, the curtain rose again at the legendary Hippodrome
Theatre. Reborn as the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center, it is the centerpiece not only of world-class stage performances, but of
a totally revitalized West Side of Baltimore, with an impact unbounded
by geography.
A Unique Partnership
Achieving what one imagines requires creativity, determination, and truly
new thinking. The non-profit Hippodrome Foundation (formerly the Baltimore
Center for Performing Arts) was established to reach for and attain
that vision. The Foundation, in turn, sought out public and private
entities with the foresight to see "what might be." Of course, our most important partners are the private citizens who
gave their unwavering support and contributions. Together, we have
transformed a venerable structure into an unparalleled, state of the
art, showplace designed to fulfill the cultural, educational, and entertainment
needs of our city and our entire region.
The West Side and Beyond
Keeping a careful eye to the historic value and community spirit of Baltimore’s
west side, the Hippodrome Foundation transformed three historic landmark
buildings - the Western National Bank, the Eutaw Savings Bank and the
original Hippodrome Theatre - and constructed a new building at the
corner of Baltimore and Eutaw Streets. The France-Merrick
Performing Arts Center ties all four spaces together, preserving
each building’s unique identity while forming a seamless series
of venues that blend old and new. In essence, this will be the nucleus
of a Baltimore renaissance - cultural, commercial and residential.
Amenities Abound
In and around the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center are numerous
amenities to enhance experience of live theater such as:
- Ample parking within a short walk to the Theatre. Season ticket holders may purchase advance parking passes to area parking facilities and Inner Circle subscribers receive guaranteed show parking as an added benefit.
- The Hipp Café located within the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center.
- Accessible seating is available.
- Abundant restrooms and concession areas and expanded lobby spaces.
- Repaved streets and sidewalks, improved outdoor lighting, and security provided by the associations and organizations in Downtown as well as on-site security.
- The Hippodrome Box Office is located on the corner of Eutaw St. and Baltimore St. Hours are Monday-Saturday, 10am-5pm.
We are helping to build the future. That isn’t one building or one street or one show on stage. It means an on-going dedication to creating an environment that belongs to all of the people of Baltimore, to revitalize the city, in action and in spirit. The Hippodrome Foundation says, "let the curtain rise." This is just Act One.
