Cornish Playhouse

What to know

Located at 201 Mercer Street on the north end of the Seattle Center grounds, the Cornish Playhouse stands as a landmark of modern architecture. This striking facility was originally built for the 1962 World’s Fair, serving as a testament to the mid-century vision of the city's cultural landscape. Today, the venue is operated by Cornish College of the Arts as its highest-profile and premier performance venue. It functions as a dual-purpose theatrical and educational facility, bridging the gap between academic training and professional production. The college's connection to the space ensures a constant flow of creative energy and student innovation. Beyond its role as a school venue, the Playhouse presents performing arts events that are open to the public. It also fosters local creativity through Artist Incubator Residencies, which provide free space for artists to create and test new work, ensuring the venue remains a living laboratory for the arts. While the venue continues to serve the arts community, the institutional landscape has shifted, with Wikipedia noting that Cornish College of the Arts was absorbed by Seattle University on June 2, 2025.

Visitor tips

• Check the Cornish College of the Arts website for public performing arts event schedules before visiting.
• Since there are no public walk-in hours listed, contact the box office via the official website for tickets.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes as the venue is located on the expansive Seattle Center grounds.
• Look for the Alhadeff Studio, which is located nearby on the north end of the grounds.

Nearby context

The Cornish Playhouse is situated on the north end of the Seattle Center grounds, placing it within a dense cluster of the city's most significant cultural and entertainment venues. Its location at 201 Mercer Street makes it an ideal anchor for a walk through the historic remnants of the 1962 World's Fair.