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This photo shows the E. G. & G. Hook Organ — also known as 'The Worcester Organ,' in the Great Hall
Updated 6/23/2023

MECHANICS HALL

  • Massachusetts

    MA

Institution/Business Type: Cultural Series Organization

Built in 1857 by the Worcester County Mechanics Association, Mechanics Hall is known as the nation's finest performance hall built before 1860. Ideally located in Downtown Worcester — the second largest city in New England. Mechanics Hall was fully renovated in 1977, and was listed in the National Register of Historic Places shortly after.



Our Mission: To serve the community by offering Mechanics Hall as the gathering place for experiences that inspire, enrich, and enlighten generations.



Hosting an average of 230 community and cultural events each year, Mechanics Hall is visited by more than 20,000 patrons. Mechanics Hall has hosted international, national, and local artists such as Yo-Yo Ma, Wynton Marsalis, Itzhak Perlman, Boston Modern Orchestra Project, Greg Abate, and Simone Dinnerstein, and is sought after as a performance and recording venue throughout the international music artists' community.



With 14,000 square feet of function space in five different rooms, our highly versatile building can accommodate 10 to 1,300 people. The Great Hall can host a grand ball, symphony orchestra, fundraising gala, recording session, pop concert, and many other events limited only to the imaginations of our clients.

Washburn Hall, the second largest space, can be used for dinners, concerts, receptions, proms, business meetings, and other events. More intimate gatherings are hosted in the Boyden Salon, the Board Room, or the Dickens Room. Mechanics Hall is fully accessible and air conditioned, with spacious catering spaces and modern green room facilities.

Find Me

Kathleen Gagne
Job Title: Executive Director
Phone: 508-752-5608
Fax: 508-754-8442
Address:
321 MAIN STREET
Worcester, MA 01608-1522
Website

Social Media:

Facebook
Instagram

About

Overview

Institution/Business Type:

Cultural Series Organization

Legal Status:

Nonprofit - Independent

Year Founded:

1857

Overview

Institution/Business Type:

Cultural Series Organization

Legal Status:

Nonprofit - Independent

Year Founded:

1857

Disciplines

Primary Discipline:

Music - General

Additional Disciplines:

  • Multi-Disciplinary

Activities and Services

Activities and Services:

  • Cultural Preservation
  • Venue Rental
  • Cultural Education
  • Audio or Video Recording
  • Performance / Concert / Reading
  • Professional Network Gatherings / Events
  • Wedding / Parties / Private Gatherings
  • Community Arts
  • Exhibitions
Seasons Active: spring, summer, fall, winter
Events Per Year: 100

Communities

Populations Engaged:

  • Adults
  • Businesses
  • Families
  • General Public
  • Nonprofits
  • School Groups

Languages Available:

  • English

Geographic Reach:

  • Town / City
  • County
  • State
  • National
  • International

Accessibility of Services

Accessibility of Services:

  • Access accommodations for people who use a wheelchair and have limited mobility
  • Access accommodations for people who are Deaf and hard-of-hearing
  • Accessible website and/or multimedia for people with sensory disabilities

The accessible entrance to Mechanics Hall is located on Waldo Street. Hearing-assisted devices are available for use during events.

Media Gallery

This image shows the front facade of Mechanics Hall.
This image shows a close-up image of the E. G. & G. Hook Organ — also known as 'The Worcester Organ,' in the Great Hall
This image shows the view from the 3rd Floor Balcony in the Great Hall. The seats are a bright maroon, and the lights are illuminating the Hall.
This image highlights the pipes on the E.G. & G. Hook Organ — also known as 'The Worcester Organ,' in the Great Hall.
This image shows international artists, Mafalda Minnozzi & Paul Ricci, at a Club 321 show in 2023.
This image shows the Great Hall being used for a milestone fundraising event for a local school. There is purple uplighting and a screen with a projected image.
This image shows the Great Hall being used for 'Worcester Inaugural Events' in 2022. There is red and blue lighting and stars projected on the wall.

I Have Worked With

Venues for Rent/Use

Mechanics Hall
Venue Address: 321 Main Street Worcester, MA 01608
Venue Phone: 508-752-5608
Venue Website
Venue Type: Auditorium
Venue Capacity: 1648
Venue Accessibility: Facility is physically accessible (such as parking, entrances, accessible restrooms, seating, backstage). Access accommodations for people who are deaf and hard-of-hearing. Accessible website and/or multimedia for people with sensory disabilities.
Stage Details: Thrust Stage
Venue Seasons: Spring, Summer, Winter, Fall
Venue Features: Air Ventilation System, Dance Floor, Dressing Room(s), Fly Space, Green Room, Livestream Capability, Loading Dock, Movie Screen / Projection Capabilities, Piano, Security, Sound System, WiFi
Trained Crew Available: Yes
Union Crew Available: No
Additional Comments: Mechanics Hall has over 14,000 square feet of function space in five different rooms — The Great Hall, Washburn Hall, Boyden Salon, Dickens Room, or the Board Room. Learn more here: https://mechanicshall.org/booking/