The Music Center at Strathmore — Attraction in North Bethesda

First time experience of the theater and it is very well done! The beautiful light wood interior is carried throughout the theater. The acoustics created a personal experience wherever you sit.

What to wear? Business casual or go all out! There's a lot of walking and stairs so ladies, give some thought to your shoes. The floors are tiled and wood, very little carpet. The music center was actually warm, during the second half we did feel some cool air. I would advise wearing layered clothing.

I have some tall family members and tend to find seating where anyone behind us can see. This issue was already addressed by the seating itself. Seating was comfortable and offered plenty of leg room.

We utilized the Valet parking. As you enter from The Circle your eyes are drawn straight up to the mountain of stairs. There are elevators at this level. Any questions can be answered by the Greeting Staff located just inside the entrance.

Once you reach the top of the stairs is the Ticket Que for pickup or purchase if you haven't purchased online. I have a Strathmore account makes everything super easy. As you pass this area have your tickets or QR code ready to be scanned. Well organized!

As you walk along the main hallway you will be walking the perimeter going towards the on-site restaurant. Plenty of tables to grab a bite to eat and meet up with family or friends. Checkout the menu and see if something catches your fancy. There is a way to pre-order but we didn't take advantage of the kitchen. Someone in our group did get some sweet treats cookies and a tray bar slivers which were delicious. Across from the Kitchen I noticed a bar set up which appeared to offer mix drinks and wine.

The building is quick to learn but there are no directory signs to orient you as to where you are and how far to your seat.

We did descend 2 flights to reach our seating level. At the end, we then climbed these 2 flights. I did notice an elevator not sure if it was available for general use or if you need assistance and a Staff Member needs to operate. There are restrooms on this level.

We attended Mannheim Steamroller and the posted picture was from...

Been coming to Strathmore venues for years, including the free music series at Good Hope Rec Center. This evening's Good Hope Rec Center artist didn't disappoint, but the entry point engagement almost turned me away from bothering to attend. I registered online for the performance and received an electronic ticket with QR code via e-mail. The Strathmore representative working the check-in table couldn't find my name on her hard copy list of registrants. I explained that I'd registered online the day before, and had the electronic ticket on my phone. I presented the electronic ticket which clearly stated it was for the evening's performance. She asked if I could show her something with my name on the ticket, and I attempted to show her the email that delivered the ticket, WITH MY NAME in the addressee field. Still unconvinced, she had to summon the Arts In Residence director to verify that my electronic ticket was valid. The director explained that they expected a large attendance for the performance and for some such reason, all the registered attendees weren't listed. Didn't make sense as I figured all registrations were done online, but okay. So why offer an online registration option if the check-in isn't prepared to accept the electronic ticket?

While waiting a few minutes for the doors to open and admit attendees, I realized I hadn't received an admittance wristband that was being given at check-in. I went to a table being worked by Good Hope Rec Center staff and asked about the wristband, and explained that I'd not received it from the Strathmore check-in table. The rec center representative handed me a band, stood up and nastily snapped "Just take it, I don't have all day!"

If I hadn't looked forward to the scheduled artist for this event, at that point, I would've turned around and left.

I get that it was a free event and perhaps it was empowering for these women to act important in front of a crowd, but they might want to consider doing better. You never know who's a donor that might get turned off before they step foot into...

I have spent a great amount of time at Strathmore, as I had taken misic lessons here from a very young age. I used to see a lot of shows here because students get comp tickets, so I can confidently review it without any doubts. Beautiful concert hall with wonderful acoustics. Aside from the philharmonic and other orchestras, I would highly recommend attending a master class here! In addition, always look out for their upcoming events, because there are many interesting artists who visit from all around the world. Seeing a show here is always an enriching experience, and that is one of the most important aspects of music. In the summer, Strathmore holds a lot of free outdoor events. Highly recommend the annual Latin danc festival. The gardens became less beautiful after the heinous apartments were built at the bottom of the hill, but sculptures and the well kept lawn save the area from looking entirely bad. The outdoor patio is great to mill about and mingle before a show, too. Walk through the commuter bridge when you get a chance, too! Beautiful. You'll notice that it resembles the neck of a string instrument and the building itself resembles the body- ingenuous! I love this place with...