Victoria and Albert Ball at Mechanics Hall – Details
Table of Contents
This is our first year at Mechanics Hall and we are terribly excited about it. Here are some observations on what you can expect, with photos of the hall that we’ve pulled together from various places on the internet.
Parking
Parking in Worcester is a bit of an adventure. There is no free parking associated with the hall. Worcester has a lot of on-the-street parking if you are willing to be determined about it. The nearest parking meters seem to run until 8 pm, so $2 in quarters at 6 pm will get you through the evening. We’ve seen parking meters at a greater distance from the hall that are free on Saturdays.
There are plenty of parking lots near the hall, and the price might vary depending on whether there are other events at the DCU arena or other neighborhood venues. $10 to $20 will mean that you can park close to the hall and not worry about hunting for street parking .
If you are mobility impaired, you should go straight to the Waldo Street parking lot because that is closest to the accessible entrance.
The Front of Mechanics Hall
Mechanics Hall was built in 1857, by the elite manufacturers of Worcester, MA. This is the entrance on Main Street.
The Waldo Street Entrance
You can also enter through the back entrance on Waldo Street.
This entrance is best if you have mobility issues. The elevator is located here, and can get you to the floor with the box office and up to the Ballroom.
The glass entrance encloses the original back wall of the building, and is another charming spot for photographs. From here you can walk up the stairs, or take the elevator to the Box Office
The Box Office
The box office will open at 6:00 pm. It is located on the first floor in the center of the building, If you enter from the front entrance, you should walk through the two staircases and you’ll see the box office on the left. From the Waldo Street entrance, you should walk up the steps, or take the elevator. You need to have your tickets to go up to the ballroom. If you bought tickets from the Mechanics Hall site and printed them out, you can show them to the ushers. If you registered on the CVD site, your name will be on a will-call list at the box office. Please bring a photo ID to show the box office attendant.
Grand Staircases
Mechanics hall has grand staircases that lead from the first floor to the second, third and balcony floors.
This is the view down toward the entrance from the second floor.
This is a view of the second floor and more grand staircases leading to the ballroom on the third floor. The coat room is located on this floor.
The Coat Room
On the second floor there is a coat room with an attendant. You can change your shoes and leave your wraps there.
We do not have changing rooms, and the bathrooms are not large enough for changing, so please plan to arrive dressed, needing only a few finishing touches to your outfit.
Into the Ballroom
The Ballroom Floor
The ballroom has a sprung wood floor. It will be truly amazing to dance on!
Stage and Pipe Organ
Our band, Spare Parts, will be on the stage in front of the pipe organ. Spare Parts will have four members for this ball. The hall has legendary acoustics and the music will be amplified through the hall’s sound system.
Dickens Room
We’re planning a lovely spread of punch, cookies and light refreshments and will serve them in the Dickens Room. There will be room for guests to make two lines (one on either side of the table). You will be able to take your refreshments to small tables around the ballroom.
The Balcony
The balcony has a wonderful view of the dancing below. The balcony is only accessible by stairs – the elevator does not go to the balcony floor.
Hotels in the area:
We have arranged for room blocks at the following hotels, all within 1/2 mile of the venue. Ask for the rooms that are set aside for the Victoria and Albert Ball.
AC Hotel Worcester
125 Front Street
Worcester, MA 01608
($179.00 plus taxes)
Hilton Garden Inn
35 Major Taylor Blvd
Worcester, MA 01608
($134.00 plus taxes)
Holiday Inn Express
110 Summer St
Worcester, MA 01608
($129.00 plus taxes)