Mechanics’ Hall is a vibrant cultural resource for the arts and humanities. We partner with organizations and individuals to support, incubate, elevate, and publicly present music, literary arts, craft, theater & dance, and other humanities programming. We are committed to the innovative vision of our founders: to make knowledge, ideas, and arts accessible.
Please read through this page thoroughly before submitting an inquiry, and please note the following:
On average, we receive five inquiries a week about using our space. That is 260 inquiries a year! While we enthusiastically welcome blue sky programming ideas and out-of-the-box suggestions, we respectfully request that you review our programming and press page
We review all submissions, and if we’d like to learn more or work with you, you can expect a response within 2-3 weeks. Sometimes, it can take longer, but we do our best and appreciate your patience! Please note that if you are inquiring about presenting or partnering with us on something that is far from our ability to support, you may not receive a response.
Before you submit, please determine the type of inquiry you are submitting:
A. Public Programs:
A public program is any event open to the public, regardless of whether it is ticketed or free. (Examples: Concerts, literary programs & launches, dance performances, theater, music, spoken word, lectures, etc.)
B. Rehearsals & Residencies:
The Ballroom: Mechanics’ Hall has an exquisite ballroom on our 3rd floor designed by the innovative architect John Calvin Stevens. This space is ideal for dance, theater, opera, and many music genres – i.e., classical music, string performance, and acoustic performances. It is not conducive to rock band practice, but perhaps in our future! Currently, we have a fundamental sound system (2-floor stand speakers) and overhead lighting.
The Classroom: Our classroom once held free architectural drawing classes! Today, we use this space for lectures, book launches, and, occasionally, as a gallery space. It would also be conducive for classes of most kinds.
Our Spaces
Ballroom
Mechanics’ Hall has an exquisite ballroom on our 3rd floor designed by the innovative architect John Calvin Stevens. This space is ideal for dance, theater, opera, and many music genres – i.e., classical music, string performance, and acoustic performances. It is not conducive to rock band practice, but perhaps in our future! Currently, we have a fundamental sound system (2-floor stand speakers) and overhead lighting.
Capacity: 175 maximum, depending on configuration
Library
Our historic library is the ideal place to launch your next book, host a poetry reading, lecture or even a “tiny desk” concert!
Capacity: 75 standing room, 60 theater style
Boardroom
Wood paneled walls, a roll top desk, antique safe, and large gathering table make the Mechanics’ Hall Boardroom the ideal place to meet with a small group of collaborators for any creative endeavor.
Capacity: 12 seated
Classroom
This historic classroom hosted free mechanical drawing classes until the late 1980’s. Today, with its classic chalkboard, tin ceilings and bright open floor plan, The Classroom is perfect for lectures, educational programs, workshops and more.
Capacity: 65 seated
Public Programs & Partnerships Inquiry
All inquiries must be submitted online using the inquiry form below. All event and program inquiries require a three-month lead time. We review inquiries bi-weekly. You will typically receive a response from us within 2-3 weeks from the inquiry date if we’d like to move forward or have additional questions.
Thank you for your interest in Mechanics’ Hall!
Warmly,
The MH Team