
Columbus, OH
Mershon Auditorium at the Wexner Center for the Arts stands as Columbus's premier destination for adventurous and boundary-pushing performances. As part of Ohio State University's internationally renowned Wexner Center, this venue has built a reputation for presenting cutting-edge theater, innovative dance, contemporary classical music, and experimental jazz alongside mainstream entertainment. The auditorium serves as both a cultural anchor for the university community and a vital performance space that draws audiences from across central Ohio.
The venue offers an intimate yet sophisticated setting where audiences can experience performances with exceptional clarity and connection to the artists. The space strikes a perfect balance between academic rigor and accessibility, creating an atmosphere that encourages both contemplation and celebration. Whether you're watching a contemporary dance piece, listening to a jazz ensemble, or enjoying a family-friendly show, the auditorium's design ensures that every seat provides an engaging experience with excellent sightlines and acoustics.
Located on Ohio State University's expansive campus in Columbus, Mershon Auditorium sits within the vibrant university district that pulses with student energy and intellectual curiosity. The surrounding area offers plenty of dining options and cultural attractions, making it easy to turn an evening at the theater into a fuller cultural experience. The venue's connection to the prestigious Wexner Center adds an extra layer of artistic credibility and ensures a consistently high caliber of programming.
With 14 upcoming events spanning everything from alternative music to family entertainment, there's something for every cultural appetite at Mershon Auditorium - explore the full lineup on CultureTicks.
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Stations & helpful apps
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Nearby restaurants
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Finish dinner 30+ minutes before showtime. Most restaurants offer pre-theater menus.
Highly recommended, especially for evening performances. Book ahead to avoid disappointment.
Most listed restaurants are within 5-10 minutes walk. Factor in extra time during busy hours.
Based on 447 Google reviews
Pretty cool place to see a show. This was my first time and I thought everything was run very well. The seats were comfy and the staff did a great job. My only concern was the acoustics as we were up in the top balcony, I thought that perhaps we would have heard the show a little more clearly on the lower floor.
IL DIVO concert tonight was absolutely amazing. This got to be one of the best events of the year. This beautiful classic music so so beautiful and peaceful too. The auditorium was in great conditions and very clean.
Our parking was just a block away. When we went to get our seats another couple was sitting in them. I thanked them for keeping our seats warm versus any rude comments. Be prepared to walk and take the stairs for your seats and the bathroom s. The sound was fabulous and the concert was very enjoyable.
We went to see a show yesterday at Mershon. When we arrived we were told after scanning our tickets that we were emailed the wrong showtime. This was a mass email, not just us. I was reassured multiple times by staff that I would receive a call today to discuss this issue. On top of the ticket prices we are out the garage payment (which charged 4 times the amount online vs if I had waited for the event). I was promised I would receive a call today from a lady who works in events. She took my name, phone number and email. The box office also took my number. NO ONE has called as promised. Horrible customer service. I have called and left a voicemail, with no return call either. If Mershon was aware of this email being sent incorrectly. They should had waited for the show to start. Absolutely insensitive of our time and money. Especially being a childrens show, how does one explain this to a 5 year old?! Many tears were shed. Will never return!
It’s nice to see this long underutilized venue hosting more events these days. It compares favorably to the downtown venues in sightlines and seating comfort, and brings in a wide variety of music and comedy performers that previously tended to skip Columbus. Parking is reasonable, usually a flat $20 event rate in the union garage. As with many columbus venues, it helps to arrive with a general idea of your seat’s location, as the ushers are not always familiar with the venue and may not be able to direct you. But definitely a good place to see a show.
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Common questions about visiting
Check the Events tab on this page for all upcoming performances at Mershon Auditorium At Wexner Center For The Arts. You can filter by genre and date to find shows that interest you.
Visit the "Getting There" section for directions, parking information, and public transit options for Mershon Auditorium At Wexner Center For The Arts. We also include nearby restaurant recommendations for a complete night out.
Most performing arts venues offer accessible seating and accommodations. Contact Mershon Auditorium At Wexner Center For The Arts directly for specific accessibility information, including wheelchair access, hearing assistance, and service animal policies.
Review the venue details section for important information including capacity, seating layout, and house rules. Arriving 15-30 minutes early is recommended, especially for popular performances.
We recommend arriving at least 30-45 minutes before the performance start time to allow for parking, security screening, and finding your seats. Some venues may have stricter arrival policies for late seating.
Photography and video recording are typically not permitted during performances out of respect for the artists and other patrons. Please check with the specific venue for their policy.
Ticket sales are final. However, if a performance is cancelled or significantly rescheduled, refunds will be issued. Please review our terms and conditions for complete details.
Most venues have bag size restrictions. Large bags, backpacks, and luggage are typically not permitted. Small purses and clutches are usually allowed. Check the venue's specific bag policy before attending.
Mershon Auditorium At Wexner Center For The Arts is committed to accessible services
Wheelchair-accessible seating is available throughout the venue. Please contact the box office when purchasing tickets to ensure appropriate accommodations.
Assistive listening devices are available for patrons who are hard of hearing. Please inquire at the venue or when purchasing tickets.
Service animals are welcome at all performances. Please notify staff upon arrival.
For specific accessibility questions, please contact the venue directly or reach out to our support team.