The Jacksonville Symphony’s Jacoby Symphony Hall is undergoing a major renovation ahead of the 2026/27 Season, with completion scheduled for late August prior to the Symphony’s 77th Season. The project includes new seating, updated carpeting, enhanced acoustic elements and a new speaker system. It has been developed over more than two years in collaboration with Stages Consultants, Doherty Sommers Architects Engineers, Inc. and The Angelo Group. Construction is taking place within a 12-week off-season window, with demolition beginning June 8.
New seating is a central component of the renovation. The seats are designed to improve both comfort and acoustic performance, featuring wooden bases that support sound distribution throughout the hall. Seating will be slightly wider, resulting in a modest reduction in overall capacity, while sightlines remain unchanged.
Accessibility and safety upgrades include additional wheelchair-accessible seating, improved aisle lighting and new handrails throughout the hall.
Stage improvements include the installation of acoustic shelving to enhance onstage sound clarity for musicians, conductors and guest artists.
A new speaker system is also being installed to provide improved clarity and balance for non-classical programming, including the Terry Family Foundation Pops Series and Symphonic Night at the Movies Series. The updated system also removes the need for rented audio equipment, allowing for cost savings to be redirected toward programming, education and community initiatives.
The renovation is scheduled to be completed in time for the start of the 2026/27 Season in September 2026.
