Accessible in the heart of downtown Portland, Merrill Auditorium is a municipal performing-arts venue housed within the historic Portland City Hall complex. With four seating levels and a storied history—originally Portland City Hall Auditorium and renamed Merrill Auditorium in the 1990s after a generous bequest—the space continues to host iconic performances, including the Portland Symphony Orchestra and Portland Ovations. Plan your visit with convenient parking, transit options, and nearby hotel and dining recommendations to make your night effortless.

We’ve got you covered with reliable, straightforward ticket access and practical venue details so you can secure your seats and enjoy the show.

Venue details: Merrill Auditorium seats about 1,900 attendees (various references cite 1,908). It sits at 20 Myrtle Street, Portland, ME 04101, inside the Portland City Hall complex. The seating chart features four levels: Orchestra, Grand Tier, Terrace, and Balcony, with a detailed layout available via PortTIX.

Parking: Elm Street Garage behind the venue offers 600 spaces with on-site parking validation for ticket holders. Metered street parking is available nearby on Congress, High, and Free Streets.

Public transit: Served by Greater Portland METRO buses (Routes 1, 4, 8) with stops near Congress Street. METRO Pulse hub nearby and seasonal shuttle service to the Old Port district helps you reach Merrill Auditorium with ease.

Nearby hotels & dining: For a convenient stay, consider AC Hotel Portland Downtown/Waterfront, The Press Hotel (Marriott Autograph Collection), Portland Regency Hotel & Spa, and Canopy by Hilton Portland Waterfront. We highlight partner recommendations to help you find reliable lodging and dining near Merrill Auditorium.

Notable events: The venue serves as home to the Portland Symphony Orchestra (resident) and is a frequent presenter for Portland Ovations. It’s also associated with the Kotzschmar Memorial Organ and the Friends of the Kotzschmar Organ, enriching Portland’s cultural scene.

Whether you’re a longtime local or visiting for a special performance, we’ll help you navigate seating, parking, transit, and nearby amenities so you can secure your seats quickly and enjoy the show.

Good to know

Seating, Parking & Venue Information

Capacity: officially listed as about 1,900 seats (some references cite 1,908).
Address: 20 Myrtle Street, Portland, ME 04101 (inside Portland City Hall).
Venue type: municipal performing-arts auditorium within a historic city hall complex.
Seating chart: four levels (Orchestra, Grand Tier, Terrace, Balcony); seating layout chart available via PortTIX.
Parking: Elm Street Garage behind the venue with 600 spaces; on-site parking validation for ticket holders; metered street parking nearby (Congress/High/Free Streets).
Transit: served by Greater Portland METRO buses (e.g., Routes 1, 4, 8) with stops near Congress Street; METRO Pulse hub nearby; seasonal shuttle service to the Old Port district.
Nearby hotels: AC Hotel Portland Downtown/Waterfront; The Press Hotel (Marriott Autograph Collection); Portland Regency Hotel & Spa; Canopy by Hilton Portland Waterfront (Old Port/Downtown).
Notable events/hosts: Portland Symphony Orchestra (resident), Portland Ovations (presenter), Friends of the Kotzschmar Organ; home to the Kotzschmar Memorial Organ.
Renaming/demolished: formerly Portland City Hall Auditorium; renamed Merrill Auditorium in the 1990s after a bequest; no demolition.