The Legendary Roy Wilkins Auditorium

"It is a riot of warm colors, feeling and sounds...Music is in abundance from victrolas, saxophones, player pianos and hurry-up orchestras...It seethes with the pulsating beauty of the lives of its people."

Those words are attributed in 1927 to Roy Wilkins, the former director of the NAACP and legendary historical figure in America's climb towards achieving civil rights for all of its citizens. Wilkins was fondly recalling his upbringing in the Rondo neighborhood, located near what is now Rice Park in downtown St. Paul.

The Legendary Roy Wilkins Auditorium, like the old memories of Rondo Avenue, is itself a destination for music-lovers looking to experience a blend of musical genres. It has transformed into an intimate venue suited to attract all types of entertainment tastes. The venue is comfortable yet distinctive, spacious yet intimate. In addition to major concert seating, the auditorium offers showcase entertainment in A Forum Event, and the room is transformed into an intimate club setting.

Built in 1932 the Legendary Roy Wilkins Auditorium has hosted some of the most recognizable performers and memorable performances in entertainment history. The Grateful Dead, David Bowie, Bruce Springsteen and Bob Dylan are just a few legendary acts whose sound has graced the walls of the 44,800 square foot hall.

While big name acts are great, and the memories of those events will last forever in the minds of Roy Wilkins patrons, it's the intimate experience that will have a profound effect on the music and entertainment-lovers. With its comfortable and retro feel, the building serves to make downtown St. Paul an entertainment destination for all different ages and backgrounds. It is an ideal setting for rock, hip-hop, jazz, country, comedy and folk audiences alike.

Memorable events are produced every day in the Legendary Roy Wilkins Auditorium. Each event takes center stage, backed by an attentive and professional management staff dedicated to first class service and performance success.

But most importantly, it is our patrons who "keep music in abundance" at the Legendary Roy Wilkins Auditorium as it "seethes with the pulsating beauty of the lives of its people."