About the Filene CenterExperience extraordinary performances under the stars at Wolf Trap's majestic Filene Center—Where the Arts Come Out to Play™.
Located at America's National Park for the Performing Arts, Wolf Trap's majestic Filene Center provides the Washington, DC metropolitan area with a magical outdoor venue for world-class performances of every genre. Operated in partnership with the National Park Service, the Filene Center houses over 90 performances annually from late May to early September, as well as a variety of education programs, artist master classes, special events, and a yearly Holiday Sing-A-Long for families and friends throughout the community.
Filene Center History
The Filene Center opened in 1971 and was designed to be in harmony with the idyllic setting of the National Park in which it is situated. On April 4, 1982, a fire completely destroyed the facility, and a temporary structure was quickly constructed in Wolf Trap's sprawling meadow. Both the 1982 and 1983 seasons were held in this 'Meadow Center' while the Filene Center was rebuilt.
The new, and current, structure was built of Douglas Fir and Southern Yellow Pine. A little over half of the seating, nearly 4,000, is under cover with open sides that look out onto the tall trees and rolling hills of the park. The remainder of the seating is uncovered on a sloping lawn where patrons can bring picnics to enjoy before and during the performance.
Filene Center Facts
Function:
An outdoor performing arts amphitheater with in-house (covered, fixed) and lawn (uncovered, grass) seating.
Seating Capacity:
7,028 total: 3,868 in-house; 3,160 lawn
Stage Dimensions:
116' wide x 64' deep x 102' high
Proscenium Opening:
70' wide x 45' high
Rehearsal Hall Dimensions:
95' x 56'; clear height of 30'
Architects/Engineers:
Dewberry & Davis, John MacFadyen, Joseph Boggs
Builder:
G&C Construction Corporation
Fire Protection:
Chemically-treated, fire-resistant wood construction; sophisticated sprinkler system and smoke/heat sensor alarms; fire curtain to cover stage opening.