68 Nassau StreetLocated on the historic campus of Princeton University, Alexander Hall is one of Princeton's most recognizable architectural landmarks and an important cultural venue in the university town. Its principal performance space, Richardson Auditorium, is particularly renowned for its intimate atmosphere and excellent acoustics, making it a distinguished setting for classical music and other performances.
Completed in 1894, Alexander Hall was designed by architect William Appleton Potter in the Collegiate Gothic style. Its distinctive red-brick façade, elaborate stone detailing, and soaring tower reflect the architectural character that has come to define Princeton's historic campus.
Named after Charles McCormick Alexander, a benefactor of Princeton University, the building has long served as a centre for musical and academic life. Richardson Auditorium, named in honour of university benefactor Cyrus H. K. Curtis Richardson, occupies the main interior and has hosted generations of distinguished musicians and speakers.
The auditorium is particularly associated with Princeton University Concerts, whose programme brings internationally acclaimed soloists, chamber ensembles, and orchestras to Princeton. Its relatively intimate scale creates a direct connection between performers and listeners, while its acoustics are well suited to chamber music, piano recitals, vocal performances, and orchestral concerts.
Alexander Hall's historic setting adds another dimension to the concert experience. Surrounded by Princeton's tree-lined campus and Gothic architecture, the building provides an elegant backdrop for performances, while its proximity to the university's other cultural institutions makes it an important part of Princeton's artistic life.
Today, Richardson Auditorium remains one of the principal venues for music at Princeton, continuing a tradition that connects the university's historic architectural heritage with an ambitious programme of contemporary cultural events.