Southam Hall

Named after the National Art Centre’s founding general, G. Hamilton Southam, it is the largest and most majestic of our four performance halls. Home to the NAC Orchestra, it’s an ideal venue to support large-scale productions for a variety of performances and events, including Broadway musicals, ballet, opera, concerts, comedy, lectures, ceremonies and films.

Technical specs and rental inquiries

New this season

The sweet new sound of Southam Hall

This season you will experience unprecedented clarity as the music of the NAC Orchestra envelops you, courtesy of a new orchestra shell, and state of the art electrical and technical equipment. On par with international standards, no matter your seating preference, the re-shaped acoustic environment will deliver beautifully clear and rich sound.

With the new shell, the musicians will be able to hear one another better, and over the course of the season, their strong connection will continue to grow as they can respond more immediately to the nuances of each other’s energy and sound.

“The orchestra will sit closer to the audience and will receive far more support from the new acoustic shell, meaning that the sound and the whole feel of performance will be more direct and visceral both for performers and audience.” Alexander Shelley, NAC Orchestra Music Director

Seating

Seating chart

Front Orchestra 159
Orchestra 783
Parterre 148
Boxes 186
Mezzanine 263
Amphitheatre 263
Balcony 263

Iconic performances

Concert

Blue Rodeo
Diana Krall
Patrick Watson

Dance

Tanztheater Wuppertal Pina Bausch
National Ballet of Canada
Mariinsky Ballet

Broadway

Phantom of the Opera
The Lion King
Wicked

Stand-Up Comedy

Jerry Seinfeld
Russell Brand
John Cleese
Carol Burnett

Special Events

GG Performing Arts Awards Gala
Indspire Awards
Genie Awards

Accessibility

All performance halls are accessible for both performers on stage and audience members. Special tickets can be available for patrons in wheelchairs, as well as for the visually impaired purchased directly through the NAC Box Office. Seating for patrons in wheelchairs may also by purchased online.

Additional information: https://nac-cna.ca/en/visit/accessibility

Dinner & Drinks

1 Elgin
The National Arts Centre’s restaurant, 1 Elgin, is proud to showcase the fresh flavours and ingredients of Canada. Focusing on local seasonal ingredients, 1 Elgin’s menu is a culinary experience that indulges the senses. Experience our take on contemporary cuisine with dishes that will delight and engage you.

Equator Coffee
The three main pillars of Equator’s business have always been Fresh Roasting, Fair Trade Purchasing and Organic Certification. You don’t have to be a coffee aficionado to enjoy Equator coffee, but if you are, you will love it for the attention to detail we give to each roast.

Intermission bars
Intermission bars are open starting 1 hour prior to performances in Southam Hall. Non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks may be purchased. A selection of sandwiches and light meals may be purchased.

Drinks
Drinks are permitted in all rental halls.