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Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, San Antonio

Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, San Antonio

Architects: Atlee Ayres, Robert M. Ayres, George Rodney Willis (associate architect), Emmett Jackson (associate architect), LMN Architects (2014 renovation), Marmon Mok Architecture (2014 renovation)

First Opened: 4th September 2014 (9 years ago)

Website: www.tobincenter.org Open website in new window

Telephone: (210) 223-3333 Call (210) 223-3333

Address: 100 Auditorium Circle, San Antonio, TX 78205 Show address in Google Maps (new window)


The Tobin Center for the Performing Arts was completed in 2014. It is built on the site of, and incorporates parts of, the 1926 San Antonio Municipal Auditorium. The Tobin Center has two main performance spaces, an additional outdoor Riverwalk performance plaza, and several flexible interior event spaces.

Detailed Information

San Antonio Municipal Auditorium
San Antonio Municipal Auditorium

The San Antonio Municipal Auditorium was built as a memorial to American soldiers killed in World War I and was designed by Atlee Ayres in a Spanish Colonial Revival style.

The main auditorium was reported to have sat 6,500, looking onto a large stage with a proscenium arch 44ft high. The Orchestra Pit was mounted on a hydraulic lift and could be moved from regular height – below the stage, up to the stage level.

Historic façade in 2018
Historic façade in 2018

A major fire in January 1979 destroyed the roof and interior of the municipal auditorium. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1981, and a renovated and modernized auditorium was opened in 1985 seating 4,884.

A $142 million project to redevelop the then underutilized building was approved in 2010. The original façade of the San Antonio Municipal Auditorium was preserved and incorporated into the performing arts center which opened in 2014. The project was designed by LMN Architects in partnership with executive architects Marmon Mok Architecture.

H-E-B Performance Hall
H-E-B Performance Hall

Inside is a 1,746-seat Broadway-style auditorium (H-E-B Performance Hall) with adaptable flat-floor, a 232-seat studio theatre (Carlos Alvarez Studio Theater), and an outdoor event/performance plaza (featuring 32ft video wall) which connects the venue to San Antonio’s vibrant River Walk for the first time.

The main performance hall features a flexible “flat-floor” arrangement which allows for automated transformation between a flat ballroom-style floor and theatrical seating. The changeover is automated and operated by a single person.

The H-E-B Performance Hall is one of San Antonio’s primary performance spaces.

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Listed/Landmark Building Status

How do I visit the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts?

Complimentary tours of the Tobin Center are available to groups of 10 or more. Tours will be scheduled based upon availability. Please call (210) 212-0913 Link opens in new window to schedule a tour of the venue.

Technical Information

General Information
Performance Hall
Seating Capacity: 1,738 on four levels (Orchestra, Grand Tier Boxes, Mezzanine, and Balcony)
Riverwalk Plaza
Capacity: 600
Studio Theater
Seating Capacity: 300
Historic Photos & Documents
Files displayed in this section may be subject to copyright; refer to our Copyright Fair Use Statement regarding our use of copyrighted media.

Photos of the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts

Jump to Photo Section:

  1. H-E-B Performance Hall
  2. Carlos Alvarez Studio Theater
  3. Public Areas
  4. Exterior
H-E-B Performance Hall

The H-E-B Performance Hall has a state-of-the art flexible design which can be transformed to suit any theme from an elegant upscale soiree to an iconic San Antonio Fiesta. With its one of a kind adjustable floor, there is flexibility to offer seating for up to 800 when utilizing the stage.

Carlos Alvarez Studio Theater

The Carlos Alvarez Studio Theater is a unique venue that offers a blank canvas that is customizable for any event. The black box theatre offers audio visual, hanging, and lighting capabilities needed for world class presentations and performances.

Public Areas

The McCombs Grand Lobby is the center’s main lobby at street level. It can be used as a reception venue or a pre-function location for the H-E-B Performance Hall. It features a terrazzo floor and is capable of multi-media presentations and special lighting.

Historic elegance with regal charm can be found in the Rotundas. Great for private meetings, dinners, retreats and lectures. The two Rotundas are beautifully designed and can be utilized as a stand-alone venue or as an add-on to the McCombs Grand Lobby.

Located on the Grand Tier Level, the Leroy Denman Founders Lounge is an intimate and elegant space that offers privacy while overlooking the McCombs Grand Lobby.

The Will Naylor Smith River Walk Plaza offers an unparalleled outdoor experience along the San Antonio River. Lined by a beautiful garden, the plaza sits nestled on the river side entrance of the Tobin Center and has an 18ft by 32ft video wall.

Exterior

The façade of the 1926 San Antonio Municipal Auditorium was preserved as the main entrance to the performing arts center when it was completed in 2014.



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