Berklee College of Music Boston Visiting Guide: Tickets, Hours, and Tips

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Nestled in the heart of Boston, Massachusetts, Berklee College of Music is the world’s largest independent institution devoted to contemporary music education. Established in 1945 by Lawrence Berk, Berklee has grown from a pioneering jazz school into a global leader in music, recognized for its innovative programs, diverse community, and vibrant cultural presence. Whether you are a music enthusiast, prospective student, or a cultural traveler, this guide will help you make the most of your visit—covering campus access, event tickets, hours, travel tips, and more. For the most up-to-date information, consult the Berklee College of Music website and Berklee Events Calendar.

Table of Contents

Discover Berklee College of Music

Berklee College of Music is situated in Boston’s vibrant Back Bay and Fenway neighborhoods. As a center for musical innovation, Berklee is not only an educational powerhouse but also a cultural landmark. Visitors can experience the lively campus atmosphere, explore historic and modern facilities, and attend world-class performances at venues like the Berklee Performance Center.

Visiting Hours and Admission

Campus Access:

  • Open Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM during the academic year.
  • Access to buildings is primarily for students and staff; public access is limited to select spaces and events.
  • No general admission fee for walking the campus or visiting public spaces such as the Berklee Performance Center lobby and Stan Getz Library.
  • Advance tickets are required for most concerts or special events (Berklee Events).

Guided Tours and Visitor Information

Booking Tours:

  • Official campus tours are designed for prospective students and families only.
  • Tours run Monday–Friday, 10:00 AM–4:00 PM ET, excluding weekends, holidays, and semester breaks.
  • Reserve your spot using the online tour calendar in advance.
  • Walk-ins are accepted only if space is available; group tours are not offered.

Virtual Tour:

Self-Guided Tours:


Accessibility

  • All campus venues are wheelchair accessible with elevators, ramps, and accessible restrooms.
  • Contact the visitor services or the Berklee Performance Center box office in advance for specific accommodations.

Special Events and Performances

Berklee Performance Center (BPC):

  • Address: 136 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston, MA 02115
  • Hosts over 1,500 concerts and events annually, featuring students, faculty, alumni, and guest artists.
  • Tickets are required for all attendees, including infants.
  • Box office hours and policies: Wednesdays and Fridays, 12:00–4:00 PM, and two hours before ticketed events.

Free Public Concerts:

  • The “Summer in the City” series and other community concerts are open to the public at various Boston locations (Boston Uncovered).

Event Updates:


Travel Tips and Nearby Attractions

Getting There:

  • Campus is accessible via MBTA Green Line (Hynes Convention Center or Symphony stations).
  • Limited street parking; nearby garages are available but can be costly.

Nearby Sights:

  • Museum of Fine Arts
  • Newbury Street shopping and dining
  • Fenway Park
  • Boston Public Library
  • Symphony Hall

Dining:

  • Back Bay and Fenway neighborhoods offer a wide variety of cafes and restaurants.

Photo Opportunities

Capture memorable moments at:

  • The Berklee Performance Center’s historic facade
  • Modern campus architecture
  • Iconic Boston brownstones along Massachusetts Avenue
  • Street scenes with musicians and students

Historical Overview

Founding and Early Years (1945–1960s):
Berklee originated as the Schillinger House, founded by Lawrence Berk to teach contemporary music using the Schillinger System. In 1954, it became the Berklee School of Music, pioneering formal jazz education in the U.S. (Wikipedia; Zippia).

Expansion and Innovation (1970s–1990s):
The college moved to 1140 Boylston Street in 1966 and expanded rapidly, acquiring additional buildings, including the former Fenway Theatre—now the Berklee Performance Center (Wikipedia; Berklee BPC History). Berklee’s curriculum diversified with new majors and programs, such as music business, therapy, and global outreach initiatives.

Digital Era and Global Reach (2000s–Present):
Berklee Online launched in 2002, offering global access to music education (Wikipedia). The Valencia, Spain campus opened in 2012, and Berklee NYC was established in 2017. In 2015, Berklee merged with the Boston Conservatory, enhancing its offerings in classical music, dance, and theater.


Diversity, Community, and Impact

Berklee is renowned for its diverse community, with over 30% international students by 2013 (Wikipedia). Community engagement programs like City Music connect students with local youth and promote equity in music education (Berklee Music Education).


Leadership and Legacy

Berklee’s direction has been shaped by visionary leaders, including founder Lawrence Berk, his son Lee Eliot Berk, and Roger H. Brown. In 2020, Erica Muhl was named president-elect, continuing the tradition of innovative leadership (Wikipedia; Zippia).

Berklee alumni have won hundreds of major awards, including more than 310 Grammys, and include icons like Quincy Jones, Keith Jarrett, and Howard Shore (TheBestSchools).


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Are campus tours open to the public?
A: No, official tours are for prospective students and families. Self-guided street tours are permitted, but building access is restricted (Berklee Admissions: Visiting).

Q: How do I attend a performance?
A: Purchase tickets online or at the box office for events at the Berklee Performance Center. Free concerts are also held in community venues (Berklee Events).

Q: Is the campus accessible for people with disabilities?
A: Yes, all major venues have accessible entrances and facilities. Contact visitor services in advance for specific accommodations (BPC Plan Your Visit).

Q: What are the best times to visit?
A: During the academic year for the full campus experience, or in summer for outdoor concerts and festivals.


Plan Your Visit

For the latest updates on tours, events, and campus policies:

Download the Audiala app for curated music and cultural guides, and follow Berklee on social media for event highlights and news.


Summary and Final Tips

Berklee College of Music is a beacon of musical innovation and community in Boston. Whether attending a concert, joining a tour, or exploring the local arts scene, plan ahead for tickets, accessibility, and event schedules. Take advantage of Berklee’s central location to enjoy nearby museums, restaurants, and historic sites. Stay up to date by following official channels and enhance your experience with tools like the Audiala app (Berklee Admissions, Berklee Performance Center).


References


Visit The Most Interesting Places In Boston

Adams National Historical Park
Adams National Historical Park
Adams-Nervine Asylum
Adams-Nervine Asylum
African Meeting House
African Meeting House
Airport Station
Airport Station
Allston Street Station
Allston Street Station
Allumination
Allumination
Ancient And Honorable Artillery Company Of Massachusetts
Ancient And Honorable Artillery Company Of Massachusetts
Andrew Station
Andrew Station
Appeal To The Great Spirit
Appeal To The Great Spirit
Arlington Station
Arlington Station
Arlington Street Church
Arlington Street Church
Arnold Arboretum
Arnold Arboretum
Arthur Fiedler Memorial
Arthur Fiedler Memorial
Babcock Street Station
Babcock Street Station
Back Bay Fens
Back Bay Fens
Back Bay Station
Back Bay Station
Back Of The Hill Station
Back Of The Hill Station
Bagheera Fountain
Bagheera Fountain
Basilica And Shrine Of Our Lady Of Perpetual Help
Basilica And Shrine Of Our Lady Of Perpetual Help
Battle Of Bunker Hill
Battle Of Bunker Hill
Beacon Hill Monument
Beacon Hill Monument
Belle Isle Marsh Reservation
Belle Isle Marsh Reservation
Berklee College Of Music
Berklee College Of Music
Big Dig
Big Dig
Blandford Street Station
Blandford Street Station
Boston Athenæum
Boston Athenæum
Boston Center For The Arts
Boston Center For The Arts
|
  Boston Children'S Museum
| Boston Children'S Museum
Boston Citgo Sign
Boston Citgo Sign
Boston City Hall
Boston City Hall
Boston College Station
Boston College Station
Boston Common
Boston Common
Boston Consumptives Hospital
Boston Consumptives Hospital
Boston Garden
Boston Garden
Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area
Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area
Boston Irish Famine Memorial
Boston Irish Famine Memorial
Boston Light
Boston Light
Boston Marathon
Boston Marathon
Boston Marathon Bombings
Boston Marathon Bombings
Boston Massacre Monument
Boston Massacre Monument
Boston Medical Center
Boston Medical Center
Boston Medical Library
Boston Medical Library
Boston Museum
Boston Museum
Boston Music Hall
Boston Music Hall
Boston Navy Yard
Boston Navy Yard
Boston Opera House
Boston Opera House
|
  Boston Playwrights' Theatre
| Boston Playwrights' Theatre
Boston Public Garden
Boston Public Garden
Boston Public Garden Flagpole Base
Boston Public Garden Flagpole Base
Boston Public Library
Boston Public Library
Boston State Hospital
Boston State Hospital
Boston Strong
Boston Strong
Boston University
Boston University
Boston University Central Station
Boston University Central Station
Boston University East Station
Boston University East Station
Boston University Libraries
Boston University Libraries
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  Boston Women'S Memorial
| Boston Women'S Memorial
Boy And Bird Fountain
Boy And Bird Fountain
Boylston Station
Boylston Station
Brigham Circle Station
Brigham Circle Station
Brighton
Brighton
Brook Farm
Brook Farm
Bunker Hill Monument
Bunker Hill Monument
Bust Of Patrick Collins
Bust Of Patrick Collins
Bust Of Richard Cushing
Bust Of Richard Cushing
Castle Island
Castle Island
Cathedral Of The Holy Cross
Cathedral Of The Holy Cross
Charles Eliot Memorial
Charles Eliot Memorial
Charles Street Jail
Charles Street Jail
Charlesgate Hotel
Charlesgate Hotel
Charlestown Bridge
Charlestown Bridge
Chestnut Hill Avenue Station
Chestnut Hill Avenue Station
China Trade Gate
China Trade Gate
Chinatown Heritage
Chinatown Heritage
Chinatown Station
Chinatown Station
Chiswick Road Station
Chiswick Road Station
Cleveland Circle Station
Cleveland Circle Station
Codman Burying Ground
Codman Burying Ground
Colonial Theatre, Boston
Colonial Theatre, Boston
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  Commandant'S House
| Commandant'S House
Community College Station
Community College Station
Consulate Of France In Boston
Consulate Of France In Boston
Copley Square
Copley Square
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  Copp'S Hill Burying Ground
| Copp'S Hill Burying Ground
Custom House Tower
Custom House Tower
Cutler Majestic Theatre
Cutler Majestic Theatre
Declaration Of Independence Tablet
Declaration Of Independence Tablet
Democratic Donkey
Democratic Donkey
Dewey Square
Dewey Square
Digital Public Library Of America
Digital Public Library Of America
Dolphins Of The Sea
Dolphins Of The Sea
Dorchester Art Project
Dorchester Art Project
Dorchester Heights
Dorchester Heights
Dorchester Heights Monument
Dorchester Heights Monument
Downtown Crossing Station
Downtown Crossing Station
Echo Bridge
Echo Bridge
Echo Of The Waves
Echo Of The Waves
Eddie Pellagrini Diamond
Eddie Pellagrini Diamond
Edward M. Kennedy Institute For The United States Senate
Edward M. Kennedy Institute For The United States Senate
Edwin Upton Curtis Memorial
Edwin Upton Curtis Memorial
Emancipation
Emancipation
Emerald Necklace
Emerald Necklace
Englewood Avenue Station
Englewood Avenue Station
Equestrian Statue Of George Washington
Equestrian Statue Of George Washington
Equestrian Statue Of Joseph Hooker
Equestrian Statue Of Joseph Hooker
Equestrian Statue Of Paul Revere
Equestrian Statue Of Paul Revere
Ether Monument
Ether Monument
Fairview Cemetery
Fairview Cemetery
Faneuil Hall
Faneuil Hall
Federal Reserve Bank Building
Federal Reserve Bank Building
Federal Reserve Bank Of Boston
Federal Reserve Bank Of Boston
Fenway Park
Fenway Park
Fenway Station
Fenway Station
Fenwood Road Station
Fenwood Road Station
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  Firemen'S Memorial
| Firemen'S Memorial
First Church In Boston
First Church In Boston
Floating Hospital For Children
Floating Hospital For Children
Forest Hills Cemetery
Forest Hills Cemetery
Fort Independence
Fort Independence
Fort Revere Park
Fort Revere Park
Fort Strong
Fort Strong
Fort Warren
Fort Warren
Frederick Law Olmsted National Historic Site
Frederick Law Olmsted National Historic Site
George Robert White Memorial
George Robert White Memorial
George Thorndike Angell Memorial
George Thorndike Angell Memorial
Granary Burying Ground
Granary Burying Ground
Great Molasses Flood
Great Molasses Flood
Griggs Street Station
Griggs Street Station
Harriet Tubman Memorial
Harriet Tubman Memorial
Harrison Gray Otis House Ii
Harrison Gray Otis House Ii
Harvard Avenue Station
Harvard Avenue Station
Harvard Bridge
Harvard Bridge
Harvard School Of Dental Medicine
Harvard School Of Dental Medicine
Harvard Square
Harvard Square
Harvard Stadium
Harvard Stadium
Hawes Burying Ground
Hawes Burying Ground
Heath Street Station
Heath Street Station
Hooper Mansion
Hooper Mansion
Hotel Vendome Fire Memorial
Hotel Vendome Fire Memorial
Hungarian Revolution Memorial
Hungarian Revolution Memorial
Huntington Avenue Theatre
Huntington Avenue Theatre
Huntington Theatre Company
Huntington Theatre Company
Indian Hunter
Indian Hunter
Institute Of Contemporary Art, Boston
Institute Of Contemporary Art, Boston
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
Japanese Lantern
Japanese Lantern
John Barry Tablet
John Barry Tablet
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  John Boyle O'Reilly Memorial
| John Boyle O'Reilly Memorial
John F. Kennedy Federal Building
John F. Kennedy Federal Building
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library And Museum
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library And Museum
John Hancock Tower
John Hancock Tower
John Harvard Statue
John Harvard Statue
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  Joseph J. O'Donnell Field
| Joseph J. O'Donnell Field
Joslin Diabetes Center
Joslin Diabetes Center
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  King'S Chapel
| King'S Chapel
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  King'S Chapel Burying Ground
| King'S Chapel Burying Ground
Larz Anderson Park
Larz Anderson Park
Lechmere Viaduct
Lechmere Viaduct
Leonard P. Zakim Bunker Hill Memorial Bridge
Leonard P. Zakim Bunker Hill Memorial Bridge
Lexington Battle Green
Lexington Battle Green
Logan International Airport
Logan International Airport
Long Wharf
Long Wharf
Longfellow Bridge
Longfellow Bridge
Longwood Medical Area Station
Longwood Medical Area Station
Lotta Fountain
Lotta Fountain
Louisburg Square
Louisburg Square
Lower Mills
Lower Mills
Make Way For Ducklings
Make Way For Ducklings
Malcolm X And Ella Little-Collins House
Malcolm X And Ella Little-Collins House
Marine Barracks
Marine Barracks
Marvin E. Goody Memorial
Marvin E. Goody Memorial
Massachusetts Archives
Massachusetts Archives
Massachusetts Avenue
Massachusetts Avenue
Massachusetts Avenue Station
Massachusetts Avenue Station
Massachusetts Fallen Firefighters Memorial
Massachusetts Fallen Firefighters Memorial
Massachusetts General Hospital
Massachusetts General Hospital
Massachusetts Historical Society
Massachusetts Historical Society
Massachusetts Law Enforcement Memorial
Massachusetts Law Enforcement Memorial
Massachusetts State House
Massachusetts State House
Mattapan Station
Mattapan Station
Memorial To Robert Gould Shaw And The Massachusetts Fifty-Fourth Regiment
Memorial To Robert Gould Shaw And The Massachusetts Fifty-Fourth Regiment
Metropolitan Park System Of Greater Boston
Metropolitan Park System Of Greater Boston
Mgh Institute Of Health Professions
Mgh Institute Of Health Professions
Middlesex Fells Reservation
Middlesex Fells Reservation
Mission Park Station
Mission Park Station
Morse Auditorium
Morse Auditorium
Mount Calvary Cemetery
Mount Calvary Cemetery
Mugar Memorial Library
Mugar Memorial Library
Museum Of Fine Arts Boston
Museum Of Fine Arts Boston
Museum Of Fine Arts Station
Museum Of Fine Arts Station
Museum Of Science
Museum Of Science
Neighborhood In Boston
Neighborhood In Boston
New Calvary Cemetery
New Calvary Cemetery
New England Aquarium
New England Aquarium
New England Conservatory
New England Conservatory
New England Historic Genealogical Society
New England Historic Genealogical Society
New England Holocaust Memorial
New England Holocaust Memorial
New England Museum Of Natural History
New England Museum Of Natural History
Nixes Mate
Nixes Mate
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  Nix'S Mate Daybeacon
| Nix'S Mate Daybeacon
Noble School
Noble School
North Shore Medical Center
North Shore Medical Center
North Square
North Square
North Station
North Station
Northeastern University
Northeastern University
Old City Hall
Old City Hall
Old Corner Bookstore
Old Corner Bookstore
Old North Church
Old North Church
Old South Church
Old South Church
Old South Meeting House
Old South Meeting House
Old State House
Old State House
Olmsted Park
Olmsted Park
Omni Parker House
Omni Parker House
Oneida Football Club
Oneida Football Club
Oneida Football Club Monument
Oneida Football Club Monument
Orient Heights Station
Orient Heights Station
Orpheum Theatre
Orpheum Theatre
Packards Corner Station
Packards Corner Station
Park Square
Park Square
Paul Revere House
Paul Revere House
Pope John Paul Ii Memorial
Pope John Paul Ii Memorial
Port Of Boston
Port Of Boston
Post Office Square
Post Office Square
Prudential Station
Prudential Station
Prudential Tower
Prudential Tower
Puerto Rican Veterans Memorial
Puerto Rican Veterans Memorial
Quincy Market
Quincy Market
Quincy Quarries Reservation
Quincy Quarries Reservation
Rachael Revere Park
Rachael Revere Park
Riverway Station
Riverway Station
Rko-Boston
Rko-Boston
Ruggles Station
Ruggles Station
Saint Francis De Sales Cemetery
Saint Francis De Sales Cemetery
Saint James The Apostle Cemetery
Saint James The Apostle Cemetery
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  Saint Mary'S Cemetery
| Saint Mary'S Cemetery
Saint Michael Cemetery
Saint Michael Cemetery
Samuel Adams
Samuel Adams
Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site
Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site
Science Park Station
Science Park Station
Shubert Theatre
Shubert Theatre
Small Child Fountain
Small Child Fountain
Smith Court Residences
Smith Court Residences
Soldiers And Sailors Monument
Soldiers And Sailors Monument
South Station
South Station
South Street Station
South Street Station
Spangler Center
Spangler Center
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  St. Elizabeth'S Medical Center
| St. Elizabeth'S Medical Center
|
  St. Mary'S Cemetery
| St. Mary'S Cemetery
|
  St. Stephen'S Church
| St. Stephen'S Church
State Station
State Station
State Theatre
State Theatre
Statler Fountain
Statler Fountain
Statue Of Alexander Hamilton
Statue Of Alexander Hamilton
Statue Of Anne Hutchinson
Statue Of Anne Hutchinson
Statue Of Benjamin Franklin
Statue Of Benjamin Franklin
Statue Of Bill Russell
Statue Of Bill Russell
Statue Of Bobby Orr
Statue Of Bobby Orr
Statue Of Charles Devens
Statue Of Charles Devens
Statue Of Charles Sumner
Statue Of Charles Sumner
Statue Of Christopher Columbus
Statue Of Christopher Columbus
Statue Of Daniel Webster
Statue Of Daniel Webster
Statue Of David Farragut
Statue Of David Farragut
Statue Of David I. Walsh
Statue Of David I. Walsh
Statue Of Domingo Faustino Sarmiento
Statue Of Domingo Faustino Sarmiento
Statue Of Edward Everett Hale
Statue Of Edward Everett Hale
Statue Of George S. Patton
Statue Of George S. Patton
Statue Of Henry Cabot Lodge
Statue Of Henry Cabot Lodge
Statue Of Horace Mann
Statue Of Horace Mann
Statue Of John Endecott
Statue Of John Endecott
Statue Of John F. Kennedy
Statue Of John F. Kennedy
Statue Of John Glover
Statue Of John Glover
Statue Of John Singleton Copley
Statue Of John Singleton Copley
Statue Of John Winthrop
Statue Of John Winthrop
Statue Of Josiah Quincy Iii
Statue Of Josiah Quincy Iii
Statue Of Kevin White
Statue Of Kevin White
Statue Of Leif Erikson
Statue Of Leif Erikson
Statue Of Mary Dyer
Statue Of Mary Dyer
Statue Of Maurice J. Tobin
Statue Of Maurice J. Tobin
Statue Of Phillips Brooks
Statue Of Phillips Brooks
Statue Of Red Auerbach
Statue Of Red Auerbach
Statue Of Robert Burns
Statue Of Robert Burns
Statue Of Samuel Eliot Morison
Statue Of Samuel Eliot Morison
Statue Of Tadeusz Kościuszko
Statue Of Tadeusz Kościuszko
Statue Of Tony Demarco
Statue Of Tony Demarco
Statue Of Wendell Phillips
Statue Of Wendell Phillips
Statue Of William Lloyd Garrison
Statue Of William Lloyd Garrison
Statue Of William Prescott
Statue Of William Prescott
Statues Of James Michael Curley
Statues Of James Michael Curley
Suffolk Downs Station
Suffolk Downs Station
Sullivan Square Station
Sullivan Square Station
Sutherland Road Station
Sutherland Road Station
Swan Boats
Swan Boats
Symphony Hall
Symphony Hall
Symphony Station
Symphony Station
Taipei Economic And Cultural Office In Boston
Taipei Economic And Cultural Office In Boston
Tappan Street Station
Tappan Street Station
Td Garden
Td Garden
Ted Williams Tunnel
Ted Williams Tunnel
Temple Bell
Temple Bell
The Eliot Suite Hotel
The Eliot Suite Hotel
The Embrace
The Embrace
The Founders Memorial
The Founders Memorial
The Partisans
The Partisans
The Tortoise And The Hare
The Tortoise And The Hare
The Trustees Of Reservations
The Trustees Of Reservations
Theodore Parker Unitarian Universalist Church
Theodore Parker Unitarian Universalist Church
Thermopylae
Thermopylae
Tobin Bridge
Tobin Bridge
Tremont Street Subway
Tremont Street Subway
Tremont Temple
Tremont Temple
Trinity Church
Trinity Church
Triton Babies Fountain
Triton Babies Fountain
Tufts Medical Center Station
Tufts Medical Center Station
Tufts University School Of Dental Medicine
Tufts University School Of Dental Medicine
Union Cemetery
Union Cemetery
University Of Massachusetts Boston
University Of Massachusetts Boston
Uss Cassin Young
Uss Cassin Young
Uss Constitution
Uss Constitution
Uss Constitution Museum
Uss Constitution Museum
Veterans Memorial
Veterans Memorial
Walter Brown Arena
Walter Brown Arena
Walter Street Burying Ground
Walter Street Burying Ground
Wang Theatre
Wang Theatre
Warren Anatomical Museum
Warren Anatomical Museum
Warren Street Station
Warren Street Station
Washington Street Station
Washington Street Station
William Lloyd Garrison House
William Lloyd Garrison House
Wood Island Station
Wood Island Station
World War I Memorial
World War I Memorial
World War Ii Memorial
World War Ii Memorial