Title: Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts in Downtown Hartford - Tours and Activities | Expedia.ca [Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts Hotels](https://expedia.ca/Bushnell-Center-For-The-Performing-Arts-Hotels.0-l6071383-0.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels)[Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts Car Rentals](https://expedia.ca/Car-Rentals-In-Bushnell-Center-For-The-Performing-Arts.d6071383.Car-Rental-Guide)[Downtown Hartford Vacations](https://expedia.ca/Downtown-Hartford.d553248635074842140.Destination-Travel-Guides) # Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts Tours and Activities ![Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts which includes interior views](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6071383/30b7fad6-5b3e-42d6-b540-4325295d1ccf.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts which includes interior views](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6071383/30b7fad6-5b3e-42d6-b540-4325295d1ccf.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts featuring interior views and heritage architecture](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6071383/b07fff38-0092-416c-adb8-7a3d33e53bf1.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts showing signage](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6071383/7399568b-4c6d-41b6-8c32-04b78e6ebf20.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts featuring interior views](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6071383/11eb0211-09c7-4609-9c3a-ae6c20fd6619.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ## Visit Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts Activities --- --- #### While seeing a play or concert in Hartford’s historic venue, look up to admire one of the largest ceiling murals in the United States. If you are in Connecticut and want to see a show, you will likely find yourself at Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts. “The Bushnell,” as it is commonly called, has been a destination for theater and music since the early 20th century. Mortensen Hall, the original theater building, was built in 1930 in honor of Horace Bushnell, a local minister who created a lasting legacy of parks throughout Hartford. Spot similarities to features of Radio City Music Hall, the so-called “Showplace of the Nation” in New York City. The same architects are responsible for Mortensen Hall. Look up as you walk into Mortensen Hall. *Drama*, one of the largest ceiling murals in the United States, spans the heights of the theater. The *Muse of Drama* is the mural’s centerpiece. Mythological figures surround her feet while symbols of the modern era soar above her. In 2002, the Bushnell expanded with the 906-seat Belding Theater, named for longtime supporter Maxwell Belding. Note the ceiling mural here, which pays homage to Mortensen Hall’s celestial motifs with a modern interpretation. Go to the glass-enclosed Autorino Great Hall just outside the Belding Theater. Your eyes will immediately be drawn to *Ode to Joy*, Dale Chihuly’s wild glass sculpture that dominates the space. The Bushnell attracts world-class performers from all realms of entertainment. It has hosted legendary late-night comedian Jay Leno, the Broadway musical *Wicked* and the dancers from the Alvin Ailey troupe. Enjoy the classical music of the Hartford Symphony Orchestra, the Bushnell’s primary tenant. Purchase tickets online, by phone or at the box office. Some shows, like the holiday *Nutcracker*, sell out quickly so you should purchase your tickets well in advance. Others may be available on the day of the performance. Ticket prices vary depending on the show. The Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts is located in the heart of downtown Hartford. Choose from many eating and dining options within a short walking distance. You can easily find city parking nearby or pay for a valet service during evening performances. ### Popular places to visit ![State capital of Hartford skyline, Hartford, Connecticut'](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/501142/56f7b7e6-8ef5-4257-9ce7-c9f41ec8f83e.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Connecticut State Capital After visiting Connecticut State Capital, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Hartford. Experience the area's entertainment choices or attend a sporting event. [](https://expedia.ca/Connecticut-State-Capital-Downtown-Hartford.d501142.Vacation-Attraction) ![Bushnell Park featuring heritage architecture, château or palace and a park](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/507270/e8240890-18dc-467f-a282-8051f46f3d37.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Bushnell Park Relax near the pond or take a ride on the antique carousel at one of America’s oldest publicly funded parks, located in the heart of Hartford. [](https://expedia.ca/Bushnell-Park-Downtown-Hartford.d507270.Vacation-Attraction) ![The Wadsworth Atheneum is an art museum located in Hartford, Connecticut.](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/180005/c6451015-4b4f-4c8c-aea0-a618bbb7da00.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art You can browse the exhibits at Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, a museum with a story of its own, during your travels to Hartford. Experience the area's great live music and entertainment choices. [](https://expedia.ca/Wadsworth-Atheneum-Museum-Of-Art-Downtown-Hartford.d501159.Vacation-Attraction) #### Museum of Connecticut History You can study the exhibits at Museum of Connecticut History, a museum with a storied past, during your trip to Hartford. Experience the area's acclaimed theater scene and entertainment choices. [](https://expedia.ca/Museum-Of-Connecticut-History-Downtown-Hartford.d6071407.Vacation-Attraction) #### Connecticut State Library Connecticut State Library is just one of the places to see in Hartford, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Experience the area's entertainment choices and great live music. [](https://expedia.ca/Connecticut-State-Library-Downtown-Hartford.d553248621558114628.Vacation-Attraction) #### Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch Learn about the local history of Hartford with a stop at Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch. Experience the area's entertainment choices and great live music. [](https://expedia.ca/Soldiers-And-Sailors-Memorial-Arch-Downtown-Hartford.d6071415.Vacation-Attraction) --- ## Best Lodging Options Near Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts ## Check availability on hotels close to Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts [Tonight ](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6071383&startDate=2026-02-10&endDate=2026-02-11)[Feb 10 - Feb 11](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6071383&startDate=2026-02-10&endDate=2026-02-11) [Tomorrow night ](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6071383&startDate=2026-02-11&endDate=2026-02-12)[Feb 11 - Feb 12](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6071383&startDate=2026-02-11&endDate=2026-02-12) [This weekend ](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6071383&startDate=13%2F02%2F2026&endDate=15%2F02%2F2026)[Feb 13 - Feb 15](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6071383&startDate=13%2F02%2F2026&endDate=15%2F02%2F2026) [Next weekend ](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6071383&startDate=20%2F02%2F2026&endDate=22%2F02%2F2026)[Feb 20 - Feb 22](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6071383&startDate=20%2F02%2F2026&endDate=22%2F02%2F2026) ![The Capitol Hotel](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/10000/6800/6777/2c26b973_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### The Capitol Hotel 440 Asylum St Hartford CT [](https://expedia.ca/Hartford-Hotels-The-Capitol-Hotel.h6777.Hotel-Information) ![Hampton Inn & Suites Hartford/East Hartford](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/3000000/2950000/2943100/2943093/5cf369a5_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Hampton Inn & Suites Hartford/East Hartford 351 Pitkin Steet East Hartford CT [](https://expedia.ca/Hartford-Hotels-Hampton-Inn-Suites-HartfordEast-Hartford.h2943093.Hotel-Information) ![DoubleTree by Hilton Hartford Downtown](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/10000/1700/1637/1dfc2c6d_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### DoubleTree by Hilton Hartford Downtown 315 Trumbull St Hartford CT [](https://expedia.ca/Hartford-Hotels-Hilton-Hartford.h1637.Hotel-Information) ![The Goodwin Hotel](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/20000/10300/10232/64a5e77a_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### The Goodwin Hotel 1 Haynes St Hartford CT [](https://expedia.ca/Hartford-Hotels-The-Goodwin-Hotel.h10232.Hotel-Information) ![Candlewood Suites Hartford Downtown by IHG](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/16000000/15690000/15682300/15682208/9972142d_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Candlewood Suites Hartford Downtown by IHG 370 Market Street Hartford CT [](https://expedia.ca/Hartford-Hotels-Candlewood-Suites-Hartford-Downtown.h15682208.Hotel-Information) ![Marriott Hartford Downtown](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/2000000/1270000/1260900/1260819/80ef4a44_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Marriott Hartford Downtown 200 Columbus Boulevard Hartford CT [](https://expedia.ca/Hartford-Hotels-Marriott-Hartford-Downtown.h1260819.Hotel-Information) ![Delamar West Hartford](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/19000000/18170000/18166800/18166744/d809cec2_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Delamar West Hartford 1 Memorial Road West Hartford CT [](https://expedia.ca/Hartford-Hotels-Delamar-West-Hartford.h18166744.Hotel-Information) ![Economy Inn](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/20000/11600/11504/4b04ee95_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Economy Inn 490 Main Street East Hartford CT [](https://expedia.ca/East-Hartford-Hotels-Economy-Inn.h11504.Hotel-Information) ![Comfort Inn & Suites East Hartford - Hartford](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/30000/20500/20462/53f8ec15_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Comfort Inn & Suites East Hartford - Hartford 333 Roberts Street East Hartford CT [](https://expedia.ca/Hartford-Hotels-Comfort-Inn-Suites-East-Hartford-Hartford.h20462.Hotel-Information) [See all 1,168 properties in Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.Package®ionId=6071383) Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. 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