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Symphony Square

Nestled in downtown Austin, Symphony Square is a historic complex featuring four limestone buildings, a 350-seat stone amphitheater, and modern developments, serving as a unique hub for music, events, and community history.

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Symphony Square
www.austintexas.org, source_link_og_www.austintexas.org

What is Symphony Square?

Symphony Square is an attractive complex in downtown Austin featuring four historical limestone buildings and a 350-seat outdoor stone amphitheater. Located near the Capitol at the corner of Red River and 11th Street, it serves as a unique venue and is nestled alongside a modern mixed-use development.

What kinds of events are held at Symphony Square?

The outdoor amphitheater is used for live music, concerts, festivals, DJs, comedy, karaoke, and private events such as weddings, receptions, birthday parties, fundraisers, and corporate meetings.

Is there parking available at the venue?

Yes, there is a free parking lot available for Symphony Square visitors located right across from the building on the west corner of 11th and Red River.

What historic buildings make up the complex?

The historic complex was formed by four buildings: the Jeremiah Hamilton House, the New Orleans Club, the William P. Hardeman House, and the Michael Doyle House. Some of these historic structures were relocated to form a square behind the Hamilton House.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

Symphony Square is a unique historic complex located at the corner of Red River and 11th Street near the Texas State Capitol in Austin. Named the Jane Dunn Sibley Symphony Square, this attractive site features four historic limestone buildings and a 350-seat stone amphitheater. Originally planned in 1971 as a southeastward extension of Waterloo Park, the complex was designed to serve as the headquarters of the Austin Symphony Orchestra. The historic complex is composed of four notable structures: the Jeremiah Hamilton House, the New Orleans Club, the William P. Hardeman House, and the Michael Doyle House, which previously operated as the 11th Door Tavern. To create the square behind the Hamilton House, the New Orleans Club and the Hardeman House were relocated from their original sites, and an amphitheater and stage were built in the resulting space. In 1974, the Austin Symphony Orchestra Society secured a 50-year lease for the property from the City of Austin. Under the leadership of Jane Dunn Sibley in the 1980s, the square flourished as a premier outdoor venue for live music and performances. The site has continued to evolve in recent years. In January 2017, the City of Austin split the property's lease between the Austin Symphony Orchestra Society and the Waterloo Greenway. Following a four-month restoration, the portion north of Waller Creek—specifically the Hardeman House and New Orleans Club—became the Waterloo Greenway headquarters in November 2018. Today, the historic amphitheater is wrapped by a modern mixed-use development, which includes a seven-story boutique office tower called 1121 at Symphony Square and a 32-story residential tower named The Waller. As Austin’s most unique outdoor downtown amphitheater, the stone venue remains highly versatile. It hosts concerts, festivals, weddings, and private events, and is available for public rental. The administrative offices of the Austin Symphony Orchestra are situated nearby at 1113 Red River Street, nestled directly between the original square and the modern Waller building.

Visitor tips

  • Take advantage of the free parking lot located at the west corner of 11th and Red River streets.
  • Look for the Waterloo Greenway headquarters housed in the restored Hardeman House and New Orleans Club north of Waller Creek.
  • Consider renting out the 350-seat stone amphitheater, which is available for private events like weddings and parties.

Nearby context

Located just steps from the Texas State Capitol, Symphony Square sits at the crossroads of Austin's historic core and its rapidly developing downtown. The square is nestled alongside the Waller Creek Greenbelt, offering a pocket of history and nature that transitions into the bustling Financial District. This unique positioning allows visitors to experience the architectural contrast between 19th-century limestone structures and soaring modern towers like The Waller.

Sources

Evidence and links