Get excited! You’re in for a treat.
Your Overture experience begins long before you take your seat. You have to get here, park, find good food and drink … and we’re here to help.
As a courtesy to other Overture Center patrons, we ask that you please refrain from wearing cologne and perfumes during Overture Center performances. Scented personal care products, perfumes and hair products can trigger mild to extremely severe allergic reactions, asthmatic and respiratory attacks. Thank you for your cooperation.
No person younger than 12-years-old will be admitted into the theatre unless they are accompanied by a parent or adult guardian who agrees to be responsible for the conduct and safety of the underage guest.
Security Information
Overture Center has updated its security procedures. Please visit our security page to read about these procedures and to plan ahead for your visit to Overture Center.
Overture Center hours
Building, ticket office and administration hours and access points are limited. The hours that the building is open vary day to day, based upon performance schedules. The building’s open hours differ from the ticket office hours.
Building Hours
The State Street Rotunda entrance is open during the following hours:
- Monday – Saturday, 11am – 6pm
- Sunday, 12pm – 6pm
- Extended days and hours on event days
Other entrances are open during public events.
The building is often open later in the evening, since we host at least one performance virtually every night during the season. Closing time depends entirely on the length of that evening’s performances.
Overture Center for the Arts remains open for performances unless the city discontinues public transportation or closes the roads because of inclement weather. We will do our best to communicate any closure via our website, email, Facebook and other social media channels.
The Madison Museum of Contemporary Art is a separate entity, and their gallery and gift shop hours are listed on their own website.
Ticket Office Hours
The ticket office window is open Monday through Friday from 11am to 5pm, and from 11am to 2pm on Saturday. The ticket office is open additional hours on event days and remains open through curtain time on any night of a performance. On Sunday, hours vary with event schedule. Please refer to the schedule below.
Administrative Office Hours
Overture Center Administration is generally staffed Monday through Friday from 11 AM to 5 PM. For additional hours and to schedule your visit, call 608-258-4177. Our office is closed on nationally recognized holidays.
Photography Policy
Photographs are a wonderful way to remember a visit to Overture Center for the Arts. We encourage visitors to take casual photographs for their own personal use except as prohibited by signage or program content. For our complete photo policy, please click the button below.
Prom Photo Guidelines
Due to the large amount of patron activity in Overture Center, we have some limitations regarding requests for Prom pictures/photo shoots.
- We will allow students and parents to show up and take photos in the public areas of the building, whenever possible.
- We will enforce the general guidelines (we will reserve the right to keep large groups of people out of the public spaces if they are impeding access, blocking elevators and stairwells, and disrupting business)
- If Bag Search is setup, pictures cannot be in the way/blocking that access for our staff.
- We will not allow students and parents to make arrangements in advance, but if they do call we will do our best to let them know about what is happening in the building.
- We do not offer/permit prom photos to be taken in a private area of the building.
- Security, House Managers, or Event Managers will use their best judgement to guide patrons to areas that are appropriate, and alert patrons of our policy.
Directions & Parking
Overture Center’s central location on the corner of State and Fairchild Streets ensures easy access to convenient downtown parking. Two cashier-operated parking structures adjacent to Overture offer more than 1,400 short-term and all-day public parking spaces. Additional parking ramps can be found on State Street and the Capitol Square, and on-street metered parking is also available for short-term parking in the downtown area.
Both the Overture Center ramp between West Dayton and Mifflin Streets and the State Street Capitol ramp on the corner of State and East Dayton have elevator access and marked stalls for persons with disabilities. Metered parking spaces are also available on the street. Vehicles with disabled plates or hangtags are exempt from time limitations and may park at no charge at parking meters designated for 30 minutes or more.
Download Directions PDF Bus Parking Information
Overture Center Garage
318 W Mifflin Street
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State Street Capitol Garage
214 North Carroll Street
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Dane County Parking Ramp
113 South Henry Street
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Parking meter rates vary and are posted on each meter. Meters in lots and ramps are enforced 24 hours daily, 7 day per week. Street meters are enforced 8 AM to 6 PM, Monday through Saturday. Additionally, several City of Madison Metro Transit public bus lines travel State Street, and bus stops are located near Overture Center’s entrances. For more information, visit the Madison Metro Bus Schedule website.
Now serving!
Before showtime and during intermission our house-made desserts, savory snacks and refreshments are available for purchase at our bars and concession stands. Beverages are allowed in the theater during for most performances, but please enjoy food in the lobby. Drinks cannot be brought into the theater during Madison Symphony Orchestra performances.
Restaurants & Lodging
Overture Center stands at the heart of Madison’s famed isthmus, within easy walking distance of a wide variety of the many shopping and dining options that make our city center unique.
Restaurant Partners
CIRC
Located inside The Madison Concourse Hotel, CIRC’s seasonal dishes are crafted with local and organic ingredients – served in a farm-to-table restaurant in the center of the city.
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Ian’s Pizza
Simply the best pizza and salads. Wisconsin-born chain known for its creative pizzas including its signature mac ‘n’ cheese pie.
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Hotel Partners
Madison Concourse Hotel and Governor’s Club
Located steps from Overture Center, features stunning event space and the exclusive Governor’s Club with private Capitol-view lounge serving complimentary cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and desserts. Overture ticket holders receive a special rate.
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Downtown Restaurants
Buck & Badger Northwoods Lodge
Right on State Street! Nominated as one of Madison’s best eateries in 2012.
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Cento
State Street’s newest eatery, Cento focuses on local ingredients and authentic Italian preparation methods with a modern twist. Just across the street from Overture.
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Graze
Creative, casual cuisine, made from seasonal and local ingredients. Freshly made bakery during Farmers’ Market Saturdays, signature sandwiches and burgers, seasonal patio seating, Friday night fish fry, plus craft beer and tap wine – all served up with a spectacular view of the Capitol.
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Ian’s Pizza
With over 30 options available daily, Ian’s is Madison’s favorite downtown pizzeria.
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Johnny Delmonico’s Steakhouse
A classy, big-city steak house with crisp white linen on the tables, a gorgeous mahogany bar, and dark wood paneling with Art Deco inspired metallic trim.
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L’Etoile
A Madison institution for over 40 years, L’Etoile is a New American, Farm-to-Table fine dining restaurant on the Capitol Square led by James Beard award-winning chef, Tory Miller. Intricate dishes designed around seasonal ingredients, craft cocktails, an extensive wine list, and a breathtaking view of the Capitol create an unforgettable dining experience for any occasion. Tasting menu and a la carte options available.
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Nick’s Restaurant & Lounge
Step back in time and enjoy this vintage restaurant favorite located across the street from Overture.
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The Coopers Tavern
Craft beer and rustic food on the square.
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Samba Brazilian Grill
Experience a taste of Brazil. Unique two course dining features unlimited salads, side dishes and grilled meats from the rodizio carved table side.
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Short Stack Eatery
This charming breakfast cafe serves fresh, organic, and local fare. Come enjoy the house-made buttermilk biscuits, farm fresh eggs, and the best bloody mary in the world. Open late night.
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Tutto Pasta State Street
Featuring 40 varieties of pasta, we are a classic Italian Trattoria, with three unique dining areas, a full bar and a very friendly staff!
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Downtown Hotels
AC Hotel Madison Downtown
Style and substance blend seamlessly at AC Hotel Madison Downtown. Soak in sights from our rooftop restaurant – Eno Vino Downtown – or sip cocktails from Madison’s favorite bartender in the AC Lounge. Just a short walk to Overture or take our shuttle. After the show, unwind in our modern rooms and suites.
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Best Western Premier Park Hotel
Relax and unwind in our well-appointed guestrooms and suites, featuring comfortable furnishings and stylish décor.
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Doubletree by Hilton
Enjoy free parking and shuttle service at this newly renovated downtown Madison, WI hotel. Walk to the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus, Kohl Center, the State Capitol, Overture Center for the Arts, and the vibrant State Street shopping and entertainment district.
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The Edgewater
Located on the shores of Lake Mendota, the Edgewater offers over 200 guest rooms, an outdoor plaza and pier (opening Summer 2015), several restaurants and lounges, a luxurious spa and extraordinary facilities for meetings, events and weddings.
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Graduate Madison
Experience the personalized service, luxurious ambiance, and numerous complimentary amenities of the Graduate Hotel and Chancellor’s Club.
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Hampton Inn & Suites Madison/Downtown
Located in the heart of downtown Madison and adjacent to the University of Wisconsin, the friendly Hampton Inn & Suites Madison/Downtown is within walking distance of shops, galleries, restaurants and nightspots.
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HotelRED
Stay, play and dine in style at Madison’s first true boutique hotel and restaurant. Steps away from the University of Wisconsin’s Camp Randall Stadium and the eclectic shopping, sights and sounds of Monroe Street.
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Hyatt Place Madison/Downtown
Ideally located in the heart of downtown, Hyatt Place is within walking distance to the Capitol Square, Monona Terrace Convention Center, Overture Center and Madison’s famous State Street.
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Additional options
For a complete list of restaurants and lodging in the downtown area, please visit the Greater Madison Convention and Visitors Bureau or call 800.373.6376.
