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About The Bushnell

The Bushnell, 166 Capitol Avenue, Hartford, CT 06106

 

For almost nine decades, The Bushnell has brought Connecticut audiences face-to-face with the world's finest musicians, orchestras, dance companies, plays and other special attractions. Virtually every major artist of the 20th & 21st centuries have appeared on The Bushnell stage.

 

Designed by the highly respected architectural firm of Corbett, Harrison, and MacMurray - the same architects responsible for New York City's Radio City - The Bushnell is regarded as a world-class facility and one of the great Halls of America.

 

The William H. Mortensen Hall

Mortensen Hall, named in honor of William H. Mortensen, The Bushnell's first managing director, is one of the world's greatest examples of the Art Deco style. Ancient images of the sun, moon and stars -symbolizing light, knowledge, constancy and eternity- abound in The Bushnell's beautiful main hall.

 

The Maxwell M. and Ruth R. Belding Theater

This 906-seat theater, is named in honor of long -time trustee, Maxwell Belding and his family. A beautiful, state-of-the-art theater designed by Wilson, Butler, Lodge, "The Belding" was opened in 2002. The ceiling mural, created by Evergreen Studios of New York City, provides a dazzling modern interpretation of the original Hall's sun, moon, and stars Art Deco motifs.


Directions to The Bushnell
 

Click here for directions or use the following:

  • From the North or South, take I-91 to Exit 29A (Capitol Area). Go halfway around the rotary, and bear right onto Elm Street. Take the first left onto West Street. Turn right onto Capitol Avenue and continue one block to The Bushnell.

  • From the East, take I-84 West to Exit 50 (Main Street). At the second light, turn left onto Main Street. At the tenth light, turn right onto Capitol Avenue. Continue three blocks to The Bushnell.

  • From the West, take I-84 East to Exit 48B (Capitol Avenue/Asylum Street). Bear right onto Capitol Avenue. At the light, turn left onto Capitol Avenue. Continue one block to The Bushnell.
     

Important Parking Changes and Road Closures
 

With ongoing construction in the area, please be aware of signage and detours in the area. All changes to parking and road routes will be posted here and emailed to patrons.

Please call the box office if you have any questions at (860) 987-5900.

The upper portion of the state parking lot, adjacent to the State Office Building (165 Capitol Avenue, Hartford) is closed and no longer available to patrons for Bushnell events. The lower portion of the state lot, indicated in green in the image below, remains open with a limited number of FREE spaces available. This lot can be accessed off Capitol Avenue and Buckingham Street.
 

NOTE: Some street parking and lots in the City may require payment.

Please allow ample time for parking and arrival to the theater. We apologize for any inconvenience.

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Parking


Weekend and Weekday Evening Parking

Free parking is available in the State of Connecticut parking lots along Capitol Avenue.

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Accessible Parking

Please look for prominently displayed signage off of Capitol Avenue that will direct patrons displaying a valid accessible parking permit to spaces. Spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

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Valet Parking

Valet service is located in front of The Bushnell off of Capitol Avenue.
Valet is not available for weekday matinee performances.

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Weekday Matinee Parking Information

Limited parking is available throughout the City during business hours.

Patrons must provide ample time for parking and arrival to the theater.

Public parking options include, but are not limited to:

  • Off-Street Surface Lots - walking distance .1mi – 1mi

  • XL Center Parking Garage - walking distance .5mi

  • Connecticut Convention Center - walking distance .8mi

  • Union Train Station - walking distance .6 mi

  • For detailed parking locations throughout the City,
    please visit
     https://hartford.com/where-to-park/

     

*Please be aware that some street parking and lots in the City may require payment. Look for signage indicating whether or not your parking location requires payment. Provide ample time for parking and arrival to the theater. Valet parking is not available for weekday matinee performances.

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Public Transportation

Taxi Service

860.666.6666
 

CTfastrak & CTtransit

860.525.9181, www.cttransit.com

 

CTfastrak and CTtransit are great options for getting to downtown Hartford, including The Bushnell. CTfastrak is Connecticut’s new bus rapid transit system with frequent service and free parking in many locations. CTtransit has routes that serve downtown from the entire greater Hartford region. All routes are in Google Maps, so it’s a great way to plan your trip!


Click here
to plan your trip, just enter your starting address and travel date/time for transit directions to the Bushnell.

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Also, real time bus arrival information is available in the Hartford area to make your trip even easier, just download ‘TransitApp’ to your iOS or Android device and you’ll have accurate arrival and departure times right in your hand!
 

 

Recommended Attire

Connecticut Ballet does not enforce a dress code, inviting audience members to dress according to their own comfort level and personal style. At the theater, it is common to see people dressed up for a special outing, or clad in more casual ensembles straight from the office. However you choose to dress, we welcome you to the theater.

 

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Bringing Children to the Ballet

Children are welcome at the ballet. As a company, we embrace the concept of exposing young people to art and theater, understanding that when children enjoy the arts, they are more inclined to become adults who are active participants, consumers and supporters of the arts. In general, performances are appropriate for children aged five and up. To ensure maximum enjoyment of the performance by all, children should be able to sit quietly and refrain from disturbing others. The company’s matinee performances are particularly well suited for younger children.

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