One of the main things for which Delhi has been popular historically is its position as a thriving seat of culture. In fact it hosts some of the best theatre halls and auditoriums of the entire country. What makes it even better is that entry to most of the shows organised in these halls is usually free of cost – thus enabling young students to cultivate an interest in a range of cultural performances like dance and music shows, besides of course theatre. Here we review some of the most popular auditoriums of Delhi whose events list you must check out regularly to harbor that love of yours for cultural programs.

Kamani Auditorium

One of the finest and technologically most advanced theatre halls of the whole country, this 632 seater auditorium is known for hosting prestigious cultural events throughout the year. A unit of the Bharatiya Kala Kendra Trust, this auditorium was constructed in 1971 to provide a platform to the artistes who were trained at the Kala Kendra. The design for this auditorium was made in line with international theatre halls located in different parts of the world. Aided by a sophisticated sound and light system, the performances held here make for an enthralling experience for the viewer.

Where: 1 Copernicus Marg

Nearest Metro: Mandi House Station (5 minute walk from the station)

Epicentre

Be it theatre, music, dance, or film screening. You name it and this centre will have it. Launched in 2008, this highly active centre for arts has risen in popularity in a very short time. Located in Gurgaon, Epicentre provides a set of venues which are ideal for a variety of programs. It also houses an exhibition hall that is spread over an area of 40,000 sq. ft. and which can accommodate around 2500 people at one time. Do not miss the multi cuisine restaurant ‘Drift’ located in the centre while you are there.

Where: Apparel house, Sector 44, Gurgaon 

Nearest metro: Huda City Centre (20 minute drive from the station)

Siri Fort

This multi auditorium complex is located in the historical Siri Fort in New Delhi. With four auditoriums it has a combined capacity of a little more than 2500 seats which makes it the largest such complex in the entire city. As the headquarters of Government of India’s Directorate of Film Festivals, this complex is naturally known for screening films, besides organising theatres, music concerts, cultural programs and events like the Chinese acrobatics festival! If you have a taste for historical monuments, we suggest you arrive at the auditorium a bit early to explore the ruins of the Siri Fort.

Where: Siri Fort Institutional Area, August Kranti Marg.   

Nearest Metro: Green Park Station

Joseph Stein Auditorium, India Habitat Centre

Equipped with state of the art infrastructure, this hall is one of the most sophisticated in the whole country. Its facilities permit direct telecasts, 35mm projections and simultaneous interpretation in four languages. In short, not only is it ideal for large conferences and seminars, it is also a perfect platform for cultural performances and theatres. Located within the India Habitat Centre complex, this auditorium is named after one of the architects who designed the Habitat Centre, Joseph Stein. Do keep an eye on the events list of three other theatres located in the same complex – Amaltas, Kadamba and Rudraksha.

Where: India Habitat Centre, Lodhi Road

Nearest Metro: Khan Market Station/ Jor Bagh Station