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Arrival and Security

Arrival and Security

We want your visit to be safe, smooth and stress-free, so we've implemented security measures to ensure everyone feels safe and comfortable from the moment they arrive. Lobbies open 60 minutes before showtime for Capitol Theater and Playhouse shows and 90 minutes before showtime for Overture Hall shows. Arrive early to allow time for parking and a quick security screening. Enjoy a drink and snack in our beautiful lobby before heading to your seat.

PARKING PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION BUILDING ENTRANCES SECURITY

Parking

Overture Center is located at:

201 State Street
Madison, WI 53703

Our location on the corner of State and Fairchild Streets ensures easy access to convenient downtown parking. Two adjacent cashier-operated parking structures 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. Metered street parking is also available downtown for short-term parking. Parking meter rates vary and are posted on each meter. Meters in lots and ramps are enforced 24 hours daily, seven days per week. Street meters are enforced from 8am to 6pm, Monday through Saturday.

CHECK CURRENT CITY OF MADISON PARKING AVAILABILITY

The City of Madison implements event parking rates for specific events. Overture Center does not determine these rate changes, and the "Overture Center Parking Ramp" is not owned or operated by Overture Center. Special event parking begins two hours before show time to just after show time.

CHECK UPCOMING SPECIAL EVENT PARKING INFORMATION

For details on handicap parking options, please click the thumbnail below:

Public Transportation

Several City of Madison Metro Transit public bus lines travel State Street, and bus stops are located near Overture Center's entrances. Click the button below for more information about public transportation:

MADISON METRO INFORMATION

Building Entrances

There are three public entrances to Overture Center:

State Street

Our main entrance is 201 State Street, which is open during our standard building hours and for all performances.

Henry Street

Our N. Henry Street entrance is open 60-90 minutes before performances and events and provides easy access to The Playhouse and Rotunda Stage.

The outside of Overture at nighttime. Purple and pink lights illuminate the inside of Overture Hall through large, glass windows.

Fairchild Street

The Fairchild Street entrance is open 90 minutes before Overture Hall performances. We suggest this entrance for accessibility drop-off if attending performances in Overture Hall.

Security

Your comfort and safety are our top priorities. Like many performing arts centers across the country, Overture has added security measures to help ensure a safe and welcoming experience for all guests.

We use walk-through screening technology designed to keep entrances moving quickly and smoothly. You’ll simply walk through at a natural pace—no need to stop or empty your pockets. If a prohibited item is detected, a team member will ask you to step aside for a brief additional screening.

If you have any questions or concerns, we’re here to help. Feel free to reach out at info@overture.org.

Prohibited Items

- Weapons of any kind
- Small knives and jackknives
- Chemical weapon, including mace and pepper spray
- Cameras with external flash or interchangeable lenses – no professional photography without authorization
- Audio and recording devices
- Tripods, bipods or monopods (photography stabilizers)
- Selfie sticks
- Drones
- Laser pointers
- Noise-making devices
- Signs, flags and banners unless specifically authorized
- Projectiles of any kind
- Skateboards, scooters and roller blades
- Pets – licensed service animals exempt
- Carry-in alcoholic beverages
- Any additional items security determines could potentially distract from audience’s safety and enjoyment or present a safety risk.

For everyone’s safety and comfort, large bags and backpacks aren’t allowed in the theater. After inspection, they may be checked free of charge at coat check, but we recommend making other arrangements whenever possible.

Do not leave your personal items unattended.

If you see something, say something. We ask that our guests alert Overture staff if they identify the following items or situations:

Unattended packages or belongings
Suspicious behavior
People in weather inappropriate clothing
Anyone tampering with surveillance cameras or entering unauthorized areas

Security FAQs

Only on/off duty law enforcement personnel are allowed to carry firearms in our building. Holding a concealed carry permit does NOT authorize you to carry a firearm in any place that prohibits the on-premise possession of a firearm or other weapon. Overture Center for the Arts does NOT allow possession of a firearm except by law enforcement. Members of law enforcement carrying a firearm are required to check in with security and provide us with their contact information and proof of employment.
Overture Security is screening all who come into the building for weapons via an artificial intelligence screening system. Overture Security Officers are also required to maintain first aid training certifications and trained to recognize and report suspicious behavior and items.