6 Best Performing Arts Venues in Richmond, Fredericksburg and the Northern Neck, Virginia

This elaborate theater with towering minarets and desert murals was built by the Shriners in 1926. Dubbed "the Mosque," a name still retained by locals, the theater sits just west of downtown, and is known for its excellent acoustics and for having the largest permanent proscenium stage on the East Coast. The Altria hosts the road versions of Broadway shows, symphony performances, ballet, children's theater, concerts, and fashion shows.

This restored 1928 motion-picture palace is now a performing-arts center that mounts opera, traveling shows, symphonic music, and ballet. It's the cornerstone of the Center Stage Performing Arts Complex, which also boasts the intimate Rhythm Hall for local performers, as well as the Gottwald Playhouse, and a visual arts space called the Showcase Gallery.

This concert venue hosts everything from the Richmond Symphony to alt-rock and alt-country bands, with a full schedule of performances throughout the year.

The city's professional classical ballet company often performs at the Carpenter Center in addition to various venues throughout the city.

The Coliseum has been a Richmond institution since the early 1970s. With 11,330 permanent seats, and nearly 2,000 more for concerts, it hosts top entertainers and artists, the Ringling Brothers circus, basketball games, Disney on Ice, and other large events.

Founded in 1957, the symphony often features internationally known soloists during performances, holding shows in various venues from the Carpenter Center to the Altria. The Richmond Symphony All-Star Pops hosts popular guest acts.