Baltimore Celebrates Opening of Highly Anticipated Venue M&T Bank Exchange at the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center

(Photo courtesy of Megapixel Media)

The Hippodrome Foundation and Broadway Across America, hosted a ribbon cutting and grand opening celebration on October 11 for Baltimore’s newest event space, The M&T Bank Exchange. The venue is located at the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center, home to the historic Hippodrome Theatre, and welcomed friends, family, and community members for a night of celebration. The ribbon was cut by Wally Pinkard, Chair of the Hippodrome Foundation and one of the many donors and community members who helped make this project a reality. The festivities continued with an exuberant performance from students and alumni of the Hippodrome Foundation’s education programs. “We work yearly to bring in thousands of students for free programs. We expect our programs to at least double with the addition of this space.” – Olive Waxter, President of the Hippodrome Foundation.

The M&T Bank Exchange is set to become a hub for the arts, educational outreach, and events in West Baltimore while complementing the existing Hippodrome Theatre’s campaign rooted in the belief that Live Theatre is For Everyone. “This flexible community space is for Baltimore – the exchange of ideas, stories, art, music, vows, and celebration. We want everyone to be able to come into this space and help make their dreams come true” said Andrew Springer, Executive Director of the M&T Bank Exchange. “It will not only boost cultural outreach in the city but also provide an inclusive environment for all its patrons.” The new space will offer a platform for local and national artists to showcase their talents and will host private events including weddings, graduations, and more.

The M&T Bank Exchange is the result of a campaign that took over 6 years, 20 million dollars, and a passionate team who believe in West Baltimore and its community. The Hippodrome Foundation Board set out to create a space that would accommodate diverse and affordable entertainment, events, plus additional free outreach and education programs. They look forward to a promising future at the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center.

The spectacular, brand-new space features:

The addition of two new steel balconies
Preserved historic ceiling and windows with modern nods to the history of the building
A 26×14-foot HD video screen
A seating mechanism that rolls out electronically with theatrical seating – can accommodate 280 people on the first floor
State-of-the-art lighting and sound equipment
Brand new lobby with crystal chandeliers that can act as a separate event space

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