About this venue
Emilie K. Asplundh Concert Hall is one of West Chester University's principal performance venues and the largest performing arts space on its campus. Opened in 1927 and extensively renovated between 1998 and 2000, the hall accommodates up to 1,202 visitors and hosts concerts, musical performances, ceremonies and other large-scale stage events.
The interior is designed for music and live performances, with built-in sound, lighting and playback systems. The venue includes the main auditorium and a balcony, while visitors also have access to a lobby and box office. Wheelchair seating and hearing-assistance devices are available for guests who require them, although the balcony itself is not wheelchair accessible.
The hall is located inside Philips Memorial Building at 700 S High St, West Chester, United States, at the intersection of South High Street and University Avenue. The main lobby entrance is positioned beneath the building's central archway. Event visitors are directed to parking lots B, C and G or the Sharpless Parking Structure, all within a short walk of the entrance. For broader information about getting around West Chester, see the city description below.
About the city: West Chester
West Chester, Pennsylvania, is a historic and lively center of Chester County that combines the atmosphere of an American college town with a rich selection of restaurants, music, culture and sporting events. Its compact downtown, distinctive red-brick streets and proximity to West Chester University create a dynamic setting for visitors attending concerts, university sports competitions, performances and other events. A diverse dining scene and accommodation in the town and surrounding area make it easy to combine an event with a short stay or a multi-day visit to this part of Pennsylvania.
For event visitors, SEPTA plays an important transportation role, with bus services connecting West Chester Transit Center to surrounding communities across Chester County. For travelers arriving by rail, Exton Station is particularly convenient, with connections to SEPTA Regional Rail's Paoli/Thorndale Line and Amtrak's Keystone Service, from where the journey to West Chester can continue by bus, taxi or other road transport. The main international airport serving the wider area is Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), while good road connections and the relatively compact urban center make it easier to reach concert spaces, university sports venues and cultural halls.
Before or after an event, it is worth exploring Historic Downtown West Chester, especially the area around Gay Street and Market Street, where historic architecture, shops, cafés and restaurants are all within comfortable walking distance. Visitors can explore the area around the historic Chester County Courthouse and the Chester County History Center or continue toward the green landscapes of the Brandywine Valley. Brandywine Creek, museums, gardens and historic attractions in the surrounding area add extra value to the trip, allowing a visit to a concert or sporting event in West Chester to become a complete experience of southeastern Pennsylvania.
Note: This content was prepared with the assistance of artificial intelligence tools. The content was editorially reviewed before publication.