Located in the Center City area along the banks of Elgin’s award-winning Riverwalk, The Hemmens Cultural Center is the cornerstone of Elgin’s growing arts community. Since its opening in 1969 with a concert by renowned pianists Ferrante & Teischer, The Hemmens has continued to provide the community with a stellar line-up of performers each season. This intimate 1,200 seat theatre is a favorite venue for seeing stars up close. In the past few years, audiences have been treated to such names as B. B. King, Bob Newhart, Phil Vassar, Garrison Keillor, The Ides of March, Blue Oyster Cult and many more. Attending a performance at The Hemmens is an experience not to be missed; clear sightlines and wide aisles provide an unparalleled concert and theatre-going experience where patrons get the sense of sitting in a luxury suite. Even the balcony’s level of comfort and proximity to the stage rivals that of many other venues’ ‘club level seating’.
In addition to the regular season line-up, The Hemmens Performing Arts for Young People (PAYP) Series educates and entertains the younger audience with such classics as Charlotte’s Web, Junie B. Jones, Seussical the Musical, and The Color of Justice, delighting children of all ages. The Hemmens is an excellent venue for rental events, including serving as the performance home of the award-winning Elgin Symphony Orchestra. The facility also annually serves several community theater groups, dance recitals and graduation ceremonies. The 11,340 square-foot Exhibition Hall located in the lower level of the Hemmens offers a fully equipped banquet kitchen, art gallery and meeting rooms for wedding receptions, trade shows and exhibits.
The expertise and professionalism of The Hemmens’ staff plays an equal role in the importance of an unsurpassed experience. Cheerful Box Office staff and ushers eagerly greet the public with prompt and courteous service, while the Hemmens expert technical staff ensures that the audience enjoys a flawless performance. With free parking and easy access from major routes I-90, Rt. 31, Rt. 59 and Rt. 20, the Hemmens Cultural Center is ideal for your entertainment enjoyment or event. In addition, one of Elgin’s three Metra train stations is located only a short walk away.
