How many seats does The Bushnell have?

The Bushnell has two theaters. The historic Mortensen Hall seats about 2,800. The smaller Belding Theater seats about 900. Mortensen hosts the big Broadway tours and concerts. Belding handles more intimate events.

What kind of shows does The Bushnell host?

The Bushnell is best known for touring Broadway productions, but it also hosts concerts, the Hartford Symphony Orchestra, comedy, dance, and family shows across its two theaters.

Where is The Bushnell located?

The Bushnell Performing Arts Center is in downtown Hartford, near the State Capitol at 166 Capitol Avenue. It opened in 1930 and is a National Historic Landmark.

How do I find upcoming shows at The Bushnell?

The free CT Concert Center app lists upcoming Bushnell concerts alongside 40+ Connecticut venues, updated daily. You can see what's coming up across the whole state in one feed.

Venue guide

The Bushnell, Hartford: A Complete Guide

Updated June 2026 · 6 min read

The short version

The Bushnell is Hartford's grand performing-arts center. It opened in 1930 and is a National Historic Landmark. The ~2,800-seat Mortensen Hall hosts touring Broadway and big concerts. The Hartford Symphony plays there too. The ~900-seat Belding Theater handles more intimate shows. It's the elegant end of the capital's live calendar.

For nearly a century, The Bushnell has been the heart of the arts in downtown Hartford. It's where touring Broadway lands. It's where the symphony plays. It's where a big concert feels like a real occasion. If you're new to the capital's scene, start here.

A bit of history

The Bushnell Memorial Hall opened in 1930. Since then, it has hosted everyone from presidents to ballet dancers. The building is a National Historic Landmark. Its main auditorium has one of the country's best hand-painted ceilings. It's worth arriving early to see it. This venue feels grand, not like a small black-box club.

Mortensen Hall: the main stage

William H. Mortensen Hall is the big room. It seats roughly 2,800. This is where major touring Broadway shows play multi-night runs. The Hartford Symphony Orchestra performs here too. So do concerts, dance, and other large events. The sightlines and sound are built for this kind of show.

Best for: Broadway tours, orchestral concerts, marquee one-night shows.

Never miss a Bushnell show

See every upcoming Bushnell concert in the free CT Concert Center app. It also covers The Meadows Music Theatre, Infinity Hall, and The Webster. Add 40+ Connecticut venues too.

Download on theApp Store

The Belding Theater: the intimate room

The Belding Theater was added in a 2001 expansion. It seats about 900. This gives The Bushnell a cozier space. It's for smaller concerts, comedy, recitals, and modern shows. If you want to sit closer to the stage, watch this room. You still stay inside the same grand building.

Best for: intimate concerts, comedy, and special-series events.

Planning your visit

Where: 166 Capitol Avenue, downtown Hartford, near the State Capitol and Bushnell Park.
Getting there: easy from I-84 and I-91. Downtown parking lots and garages are nearby.
Make a night of it: pair a show with dinner downtown. See our Hartford live-music guide for the rest of the capital's venues.

The Bushnell FAQ

How many seats does it have?

Mortensen Hall ~2,800. The Belding Theater ~900.

What kind of shows play there?

Touring Broadway, concerts, the Hartford Symphony, comedy, dance, and family shows.

Where is it?

Downtown Hartford at 166 Capitol Avenue. Open since 1930, a National Historic Landmark.

How do I find upcoming shows?

The free CT Concert Center app lists Bushnell shows alongside the whole state.