First time to the Denver Performing Arts Complex? Here are some answers to the most frequently asked questions.
About the Arts Complex
- Owned and operated by Denver Arts & Venues, the Denver Performing Arts Complex is the largest performing arts center under one roof, and the second-largest center of its kind in terms of number of venues and seating capacity.
- The venues at the 12-block, four-acre facility include the Ellie Caulkins Opera House, the Buell Theatre, Boettcher Concert Hall, the Garner Galleria Theatre, the Helen Bonfils Theatre Complex (including the Space, Stage, Ricketson and Jones Theatres and the Seawall Grand Ballroom), and the Conservatory Theatre at the Robert and Judi Newman Center for Theatre Education.
- The Denver Center for the Performing Arts, Opera Colorado, Colorado Ballet and the Colorado Symphony are all resident organizations of the Denver Performing Arts Complex.
- In addition to these tenant organizations, groups such as the Colorado Children’s Chorale, Denver Young Artists Orchestra, Denver Film Society and Swallow Hill Music Association also host events and performances at the complex. Live Nation and AEG Live regularly book venues at the complex for concerts and arts performances.
Ticketing Info
- Our four resident companies manage their individual ticket sales and are the only authorized ticket providers for their events. Other events at the Arts Complex are ticketed by AXS.com.
- Please visit our Event Calendar to select the event you're interested in attending or use the following contact information.
- The box office typically opens one hour before the show time.
- Will Call is located at every venue in the complex and is show-specific. Tickets can be picked up beginning one hour before show time; if you don’t know which theatre your show is playing in, please visit our Event Calendar and select the name of the show for which you have tickets.
Getting Here & Parking
- The Denver Performing Arts Complex is located downtown at Speer Boulevard and Arapahoe Street in the heart of the Denver Theatre District. The complex can also be accessed from 14th and Curtis Streets.
- The eight-story, DPAC parking garage is located onsite and can accommodate 1,700 vehicles. Garage entrances are located on Arapahoe and 13th Streets. Additional parking is available at the Colorado Convention Center Parking Garage located at Speer Blvd and Champa Street, just 2 blocks South of the DPAC garage.
- Please visit denverparking.spplus.com or call (303) 607-9093 for current rates and to pre-purchase event parking.
- Don’t forget that you can park and ride! To use the RTD Light Rail system, take trains D, F or H to the Theatre District Convention Center Light Rail stop. The Denver Performing Arts Complex is directly across Champa Street from the stop.
Arrival Time & Doors Open
- We recommend arriving 45-60 minutes early so you have plenty of time to find parking, pick up your tickets, go through venue security, use the restroom, get a drink, explore the lobby artwork, and browse the show merchandise before getting seated.
- Lobby doors typically open one hour prior to show time and house doors open 30 minutes prior to show time. Show times vary; please check your ticket or our Event Calendar to confirm the start time of the performance you’re seeing.
- Late seating is not guaranteed and is dependent on the production.
Permitted & Prohibited Items
- All possessions must be smaller than 12”x12”x12” to fit under designated seat.
- Please visit our Permitted & Prohibited Items page for a complete list.
- To ensure the safety of guests, Arts & Venues is providing enhanced security, including metal detectors, starting with The Buell Theatre at the Denver Performing Arts Complex.
Accessibility
- For information regarding accessibility features, policies and recommendations for your visit at the Arts Complex, please visit our Accessibility page.
Dress Code
- There is no formal dress code but most patrons wear business casual clothing. Almost anything is acceptable, from jeans to gowns.
Eat & Drink
- The Arts Complex offers a variety of food and drink choices on campus for pre-show, intermission, and post-show dining, as well as in the immediate surrounding area.
- Dining options inside the complex include Prelude + Post, Under the Glass Top, Kevin Taylor's at the Opera House and Dazzle. Visit our Eat & Drink page to learn more.
- There are additional dining options within walking distance of the Arts Complex. Denver Center for the Performing Arts and Visit Denver have both created comprehensive guides of the area.
Camera & Recording Devices
- As a general rule and for theatrical events, for the safety of the cast members, stage crew and the enjoyment of other guests, absolutely no photography or recording devices or any kind are permitted – this policy is strictly enforced.
- However, for some performances, the company or Artist may make an exception to non-flash photography. Signage will be placed in the lobby and will indicate the photo policy.
Children Policy
- Unless otherwise noted, all performances at the Denver Performing Arts Complex require everyone, including infants, to have a ticket to enter. For some performances, lap seats may be available for children under 2 at the lowest available ticket price.
- Parents will be asked to remove their child/children if they are causing disruptions or are unable to sit quietly. There are monitors on the orchestra and mezzanine lobby levels on which the show can be viewed.
- Booster seats are available from the ushers.
Tours
- Our partner and tenant, Denver Center for the Performing Arts, offers guided tours of the performing arts complex venues and their own theatre design and construction shops. For information please visit Behind The Scene Tours.
Gift Cards
- We unfortunately do not have gift cards for the entire Arts Complex (as each resident arts organization tickets their own shows). However, each of our resident organizations offer gift cards for their events. If interested, please contact these resident arts organizations directly.
Lost & Found
- Use the Lost & Found Form to report lost items from any venue in the Arts Complex. Please use this form first before taking any other action.
- Items found during an event are taken to the Arts Complex Communication Center (1345 Champa Street) and are held there for 2 weeks.
- Items may be claimed by calling the Arts Complex Communication Center (720-865-4200) or by completing the form on the Contact Us page.
Donations & Auction Items
- The resident companies at the Denver Performing Arts Complex are all non-profit arts organizations that actively accept and rely upon charitable donations. If interested in providing donations, please contact these entities directly.
- The Arts Complex is managed by the City and County of Denver; we cannot donate tickets, cash, or services. Please contact individual resident arts organizations or the promoter to request auction items.