Summer marks the beginning of sunshine, celebration, and for many students in Buffalo, graduation.
After years of effort and dedication, the moment they walk across the stage is more than just a ceremony. For those who graduate at Kleinhans Music Hall, it becomes a moment of personal triumph and historic resonance.
Located in the heart of Buffalo at Symphony Circle, Kleinhans is one of the city’s most iconic venues and has become a staple for local events. It is home to the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, as well as incredible concerts, wedding ceremonies, conferences, and graduations.
More than just a historic landmark, Kleinhans Music Hall was designed with elegance and reverence in mind. That is what makes it such a meaningful place to hold a graduation. One of the proudest moments in a family's life deserves a setting that matches its significance.
Now, when you drive past Symphony Circle, you can say that this iconic hall was the backdrop for your celebration. The same stage where Robert F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr. once stood is the same stage where you walked across and marked a milestone in your journey.
Graduation at Kleinhans is more than a moment; it becomes part of the story of the city. When students walk its stage, they are not just closing a chapter, they are stepping into a shared legacy. The architecture, the history, and the sense of occasion all come together to remind us that our achievements are connected to something larger. In that way, Kleinhans does not just host milestones, it helps shape how we remember them.
In the Buffalo Toronto Public Media original documentary, "Kleinhans' Gift to Buffalo," we explored the rich architectural and cultural history of Kleinhans Music Hall, a space that was built with vision, legacy, and community in mind.
Named a National Historic Landmark, Kleinhans has been more than a music venue. It’s been a gathering place, a stage for transformation, and a symbol of Buffalo’s soul.
Designed by world-renowned architects Eliel and Eero Saarinen, Kleinhans boasts some of the best acoustics and a beautiful structure. The design of the hall bears a resemblance to a string instrument, along with the main auditorium.
The dream of a world-class music hall began with Ed and Mary Kleinhans who loved music and left a generous gift to the Buffalo Foundation to benefit the city. With additional funds from the Public Works Administration, the hall became a reality.
"Kleinhans’ Gift to Buffalo" details that journey and explores memories created in this vibrant civic auditorium.
Want to know more about this Buffalo treasure? Watch our original BTPM documentary on Kleinhans Music Hall and discover the heartbeat behind one of the city’s most iconic spaces.