Symphony Hall Policies & Information
Symphony Hall Code of Conduct
We're committed to creating a safe and enjoyable experience for all.
By entering Symphony Hall, you agree to the following code of conduct:
- Audio, video recording, flash photography, and photography with interchangeable lens cameras are not permitted during concerts in Symphony Hall.
- Bag searches and a security check are required to enter. Bags larger than the standard backpack size of 22” x 14” x 9” will not be permitted.
- Guests may only sit in their ticketed seats and must show their tickets when requested. Every guest must have a ticket.
- No smoking or vaping of any substance will be permitted in the hall.
- Guests enjoying alcoholic beverages are expected to drink responsibly. Intervention with an impaired guest will be handled in a prompt and safe manner.
- Guests must comply with requests from Symphony Hall staff regarding operations and emergency response procedures.
- All guests under the age of 15 must have a guardian present.
- Latecomers must comply with being seated at the discretion of staff.
- Guests may not interfere with performers or events in any way.
Prohibited Items
- Outside food and beverages (except bottled water), including leftovers and restaurant to-go bags. If food is required due to a medical condition, please see Security or another staff member for accommodations.
- Interchangeable lens camera, video, and/or audio recording equipment.
- Flashlights and laser pointers.
- Illegal substances.
- Demonstration signs.
- Noise-making devices and fireworks.
- All weapons, including firearms, ammunition, knives, swords, scissors, pepper spray, and any dangerous items.
All guests will be screened prior to entering Symphony Hall. Items that are confiscated may not be returned. If you are unsure about an item, please do not bring it with you.
Symphony Hall has the right to refuse entry if any of the above conditions are not met. Thank you for your cooperation and help to create a safe environment at the hall.
Symphony Hall Information
Children at Symphony Hall
Boston Symphony Orchestra Events
To minimize disruptions, children aged 5 or younger will not be admitted to Boston Symphony Orchestra events.
Boston Pops Events
All patrons, regardless of age, must have a ticket. In consideration of all patrons, please note that children under the age of 4 are not permitted at evening Pops performances. Children under 2 receive a free ticket for 11am Holiday Pops Kids' Matinees; please call Ticketing and Customer Service (888-266-1200) for free kids tickets. They need to be assigned a seat even if they will be held on your lap.
Food and Drink in the Hall
No food or beverage (other than water) is permitted in the auditorium, except during the Boston Pops season.
Health and Safety
Please read our health and safety protocols before visiting Symphony Hall.
Information for Accessible Seating and Services
Symphony Hall is fully accessible through the Cohen Wing on Huntington Avenue and through the Box Office on Massachusetts Avenue. Large-print programs, assistive listening devices, accessible restrooms, and elevators are available at both entrances. We are happy to accommodate any special seating needs. Read more information about accessibility.
Late Arrivals
For the comfort of our artists and other audience members, late seating takes place during the first pause in the program.
Lost and Found
All lost and found items are turned into our security desk after each performance. If you have lost or found something, call 617-638-9333 and we will be happy to assist you. The security desk is open 24 hours a day.
Ordering Group Tickets
Groups of 20 or more receive discounted tickets to most Boston Symphony Orchestra and Boston Pops concerts. Other group benefits include special event planning, personalized service, and flexible payment plans. For more details, call the Group Sales Office at 617-638-9345 or 800-933-4255.
Security at Symphony Hall
The Boston Symphony Orchestra (BSO) is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for our patrons, staff, and performers during all events at Symphony Hall. For everyone’s safety, all guests entering Symphony Hall or the Cohen Wing will be subject to security screening and bag searches. Guests who decline screening may be denied entry. The BSO works closely with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Boston Police to ensure that our hall has the most current and effective safety programs in place.
Security Screening Process
The BSO uses Evolv Technology at Symphony Hall to enhance the safety and enjoyment of everyone. Evolv gates are present at the Cohen, Box Office, and Main Lobby Entrances. Guests will not need to divest themselves of coats or empty any pockets prior to walking through Evolv security gates. Should the scanner identify a questionable object, patrons may be subject to further security procedures, including bag search, emptying pockets, and or screening with a handheld wand. Patrons with strollers or wheelchairs will enter through a different barrier-free gate and will be checked with a handheld wand. Bags larger than the standard backpack size of 18” x 14” x 9” will not be permitted. Click here to learn more.
Symphony Hall reserves the right to confiscate prohibited items that are in breach of building policies or those that pose danger or disruption to the performance or other guests. All guests — including law enforcement personnel who are not present in an official capacity — are prohibited from bringing weapons into the venue. We do not provide weapon lockers. Weapons may not be checked in. Weapons include, but are not limited to, the following: firearms, explosives, stun guns, handcuffs, brass knuckles, sticks, clubs, batons, martial arts instruments, pepper spray, tear gas, projectiles of any kind, knives and weapon replicas. Guests found in possession of the aforementioned items will be asked to remove the item from the hall or dispose of it. Guests who refuse to comply will be evicted from the premises.
Snow Line
Patrons are advised to call the BSO snow line at 617-638-9495 for updated concert information. The snow line is updated more frequently during the day/evening if there is a pending or occurring storm.
We very rarely cancel a concert due to snow or bad weather. If a concert is canceled, we will update the message for patrons on the snow line. We also will notify the television and radio stations of any cancellation if it were to occur. Please check back with the snow line frequently for concert updates during bad weather.