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The venue

About Wisconsin Union Theater

Welcome to the Wisconsin Union Theater in Madison, a historic venue complex housed within Memorial Union on the University of Wisconsin–Madison campus. Since opening in 1939, the theater has hosted legendary performers and leaders, from classical greats like Fritz Kreisler to contemporary icons. The venue supports a rich Classical Series and Jazz Series, offering a mix of intimate and grand spaces for live performance. Whether you’re catching a concert in Shannon Hall, a show in the Play Circle, or an event in the Festival Room, we’ve got you covered with practical details to help you plan your visit.

Located at 800 Langdon St, Madison, WI 53706, the Wisconsin Union Theater is easily reachable by car, bus, and bike, with ample nearby parking and convenient transit options. Below you’ll find seating details, parking guidance, transit info, and trusted hotel and dining recommendations to streamline your ticket purchase and experience.

Venue spaces and capacity: Shannon Hall seats 1,157 (1,129 without the pit). The Play Circle seats 182 with stadium seating or up to 300 for standing room, and the Festival Room serves as additional space for events. Seating charts are available for both Shannon Hall (Main Floor and Balcony) and Play Circle to help you pick the vantage point you prefer.

Parking and transportation: Nearby options include Lot 6 (Helen C. White Library Garage), Lot 7 (Grainger Hall), Lot 46 (Lake & Johnson Ramp), Lot 83 (Fluno Center), and Lot 80 (under Union South). Metered parking on Lake and Langdon is free after 6 p.m. The fare-free 80 Bus stops at Memorial Union, making public transit a convenient choice for students, faculty, and visitors alike.

Nearby hotels and dining: Consider Graduate Madison (601 Langdon St) and Wisconsin Union Club Suites (800 Langdon St, Memorial Union) for campus-adjacent stays. For broader options, DoubleTree by Hilton Madison Downtown (525 W Johnson St) is a quick drive or ride away. We’ve highlighted affiliate options for easy booking and reliable service. After the show, explore local eateries and grab a bite at neighborly spots around the campus area.

Notable history: The Wisconsin Union Theater has hosted renowned performers and leaders, including Fritz Kreisler, Ella Fitzgerald, Nehru, Eleanor Roosevelt, MLK Jr., Itzhak Perlman, and Yo-Yo Ma. The venue continues to support a diverse programming slate while preserving its heritage as a community gathering place.

Good to know

Seating, Parking & Venue Information

  • Location and address: Memorial Union, 800 Langdon St., Madison, WI 53706.
  • Venue spaces and capacities: Shannon Hall seats 1,157 (1,129 without the pit); Play Circle seats 182 (stadium seating) or up to 300 (standing room); Festival Room serves as additional space.
  • Seating charts: Shannon Hall has seating charts for Main Floor and Balcony; Play Circle seating charts are also available.
  • Parking and transit: Nearby options include Lot 6 (Helen C. White Library Garage), Lot 7 (Grainger Hall), Lot 46 (Lake & Johnson Ramp), Lot 83 (Fluno Center), and Lot 80 (under Union South); meters free after 6 p.m. on Lake/Langdon; fare-free 80 Bus stops at Memorial Union.
  • Nearby hotels: Graduate Madison (601 Langdon St); Wisconsin Union Club Suites (800 Langdon St, Memorial Union); DoubleTree by Hilton Madison Downtown (525 W Johnson St).
  • Notable events hosted: Opening in 1939; notable performers/leaders include Fritz Kreisler, Ella Fitzgerald, Nehru, Eleanor Roosevelt, MLK Jr., Itzhak Perlman, Yo-Yo Ma; the venue supports the Classical Series and Jazz Series.
  • Renovation/not demolition: The Wisconsin Union Theater was renovated (e.g., 2012–2014 closure for West Wing improvements) and is not demolished or renamed.