Lisner Auditorium is an indoor performing arts venue on the George Washington University campus in Foggy Bottom, Washington, DC. Since opening in 1946, it has hosted a wide range of performances from opera and classical concerts to touring shows and community events. The space offers versatile seating configurations with orchestra and balcony levels, and it remains a trusted spot for both GWU audiences and the broader DC arts community. When you’re looking for reliable, straightforward ticket access, you’ve got a guy who can help you secure seats for your favorite performances at Lisner.

Whether you’re planning a night out to catch a touring show, a Washington Concert Opera performance, or a guest appearance by national acts, Lisner’s central DC location makes it a convenient choice for theater lovers and visitors alike. We’ve gathered essential details to help you navigate seating, parking, transit, and nearby lodging and dining, so you can focus on enjoying the show.

Seating & accessibility: Lisner Auditorium offers orchestra and balcony seating. Wheelchair-accessible seating is available in the Orchestra. Terrace seating requires stairs. Event-specific maps are available, so you can select your preferred view. The total capacity ranges from about 1,350 to 1,400, with variations depending on the configuration. Be sure to check the seating map for the exact setup for your date.

Parking: On-site parking is limited. Nearby options include the Marvin Center Garage (H Street between 21st and 22nd) and the University Garage (I Street between 22nd and 23rd). Street parking in the area is limited and often restricted in the evenings; plan ahead and consider public transit if possible.

Transit: Lisner is conveniently located about 0.3 miles from Foggy Bottom–GWU Metro Station, served by the Blue, Orange, and Silver Lines. This makes it easy to reach from several DC neighborhoods without driving.

Nearby hotels & dining: For visitors staying near GWU, consider Residence Inn Washington, DC/Foggy Bottom; ARC The Hotel; The River Inn; Melrose Georgetown Hotel; and Courtyard by Marriott Foggy Bottom. These properties provide convenient access to Lisner and the GWU campus. When you’re looking for reliable dining options, there are several nearby restaurants offering a range of cuisines to complement your show. We’ll help you find affiliate partner recommendations to simplify your planning and enhance your stay.

Notable events & history: Lisner has hosted Washington Concert Opera, Washington National Opera performances, and popular touring shows such as Piaf! The Show. Over the decades, it has been a stage for notable acts including Sherri Shepherd, Benise, and the Georgian National Ballet Sukhishvili. The venue is a historic anchor on GWU’s campus, and it continues to operate as an active space for performing arts, education, and community events.

Ticketing: GWBox Office and official online ticketing are used for advance and walk-up sales as of Fall 2025. If you’re looking to buy tickets, we can help you locate available seats and navigate the process quickly and securely.

Getting there

Lisner Auditorium is located at 730 21st Street NW, Washington DC 20052. [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6]

Inside the venue

Lisner Auditorium has a seating chart available for event planning. [7] [8]

Venue history

Lisner Auditorium has been a venue for various events including concerts, speakers, and performances. [3] [6]

References

Good to know

Seating, Parking & Venue Information

Location: George Washington University, 730 21st Street NW, Washington, DC 20052
Capacity: Theater seating up to about 1,350–1,400 (sources vary: 1,350, 1,400, or up to 1,490 depending on configuration)
Venue type: Indoor performing arts auditorium/theatre on GWU campus
Seating chart: Orchestra and Balcony levels; event-specific maps available; wheelchair-accessible seating in the Orchestra; Terrace seating requires stairs
Parking: Marvin Center Garage (H St between 21st-22nd), University Garage (I St between 22nd-23rd); limited street parking
Transit: Near Foggy Bottom/GWU Metro (Blue/Orange/Silver lines); ~0.3 miles to station
Nearby hotels: Residence Inn Washington, DC/Foggy Bottom; ARC The Hotel; The River Inn; Melrose Georgetown Hotel; Courtyard by Marriott Foggy Bottom; (hotels recommended near Foggy Bottom for GW visitors)
Notable events hosted: Washington Concert Opera performances; Washington National Opera; popular touring shows (e.g., Piaf! The Show); other notable acts include Sherri Shepherd, Benise, Georgian National Ballet Sukhishvili; historically opened in 1946 and involved in early desegregation efforts
Renaming/demolition: No demolition or renaming; Lisner Auditorium remains active; GWBox Office and official online ticketing used for advance/walk-up tickets as of Fall 2025