Health & Safety: Symphony Hall

To that end, we are implementing the protocols outlined below until further notice. These policies will apply to all public events held in Symphony Hall, including BSO and Boston Pops performances, Boston Speaker Series events, Celebrity Series performances, Handel and Haydn Society concerts, and other third-party events.

These policies are subject to change as the COVID-19 pandemic and government mandates evolve. Before you visit Symphony Hall, be sure to check this page and your email for the latest information. If you purchase tickets for someone else, please direct them to this page before they attend an event.

Your Health and Safety

When to Stay at Home

Please stay home if:

• You are sick or have COVID-19 symptoms (such as fever, a sore throat, chills, cough, shortness of breath, congestion, nausea, or vomiting).
• You’re unvaccinated and have been in close contact with an individual diagnosed with COVID-19 or exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms within the past 14 days.
• You have been directed to self-isolate or quarantine by a health care provider or public health official. Please follow CDC guidelines and any relevant state travel guidelines.
• You’re awaiting the results of a COVID-19 test.

Proof of Vaccination or Negative Test

All visitors must present full proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test each time they enter Symphony Hall. Fully vaccinated is defined as having had your second COVID-19 vaccination at least two weeks before your concert date.

Accepted vaccines include those authorized (either fully or for emergency use) by the Food and Drug Administration or the World Health Organization.

Options for proof of vaccination:

• Vaccination card
• Photo of vaccination card
• Digital vaccine record

Acceptable COVID-19 tests:

• PCR test taken within the last 72 hours
• Antigen test taken within the last 24 hours

Proof of a negative test can be in the form of a photo or email of negative test results from a clinic, testing center, medical professional, or a time-stamped photo of an at-home test.

Face Mask Requirement

Mask wearing is recommended, but optional, while in Symphony Hall. Anyone who wishes to wear a mask is welcome to do so. Higher efficiency masks such as N95s, KN94s, or KF94s are recommended.

Cleaning Procedures

The BSO has achieved the Global Biorisk Advisory Council® (GBAC) STAR™ accreditation, the gold standard for prepared facilities, indicating that we have implemented the most stringent protocols for cleaning, disinfection, and infectious disease prevention. Learn more at gbac.org.

The BSO has also earned the WELL Health-Safety Rating for Facility Operations and Management of Symphony Hall. The WELL Health-Safety Rating is an evidence-based, third-party verified rating focusing on operational policies, maintenance protocols, stakeholder engagement, and emergency plans to address a post-COVID-19 environment now and into the future. Visit wellhealthsafety.com for details.

Air Quality

Air handling systems were evaluated and upgraded as necessary to provide enhanced ventilation and filtration, including filtration with a MERV13 or higher rating on recirculated air systems and bringing in 100% outdoor air at increased rates of ventilation.

Hand Sanitizer

Hand sanitizer is readily available throughout Symphony Hall.

Your Concert Experience

Touchless Ticketing

We’re offering secure, contactless mobile ticketing this season to reduce physical touchpoints. Printed tickets are also available upon request. We recommend buying tickets online ahead of time wherever possible to further reduce contact.

Flexible Exchanges and Credits

For maximum flexibility, you can request an exchange or credit up to 24 hours before the start of your performance until further notice.

Food and Beverage

BSO Concerts:

Refreshment Centers and Bars are open throughout Symphony Hall for light snacks and beverages before performances and during intermissions. Symphony Café serves a selection of small plates for lunch beginning at 11am prior to Friday-afternoon concerts. Before evening concerts, Prelude in Higginson Hall offers three-course plated meals. Reservations are required for Prelude in Higginson Hall. Please note that service may be limited and that eating and drinking is confined to designated spaces within Symphony Hall.

Symphony Shop

The Symphony Shop is not open at this time, but we look forward to reopening it as soon as we are able. In the meantime, you can visit the BSO Online Shop.

Performances Outside of Symphony Hall

Boston Symphony Chamber Players performances at Jordan Hall: Please check Jordan Hall’s health and safety protocols.

Community Chamber Concerts: Please check each venue’s website for health and safety information.

Last updated: May 11, 2022