What is The Platform?

We’re so glad you asked! The Platform is a brand new performing arts center in the heart of Kendall Square—adding an exciting new layer of creativity to one of the most innovative square miles in the world. Spread across The Platform are three stages: the 404-seat state-of-the-art Takeda Theater at The Platform, the 125-seat ground floor Tempo Stage, and the Rehearsal Studio. On the main floor you’ll find yourself surrounded by greenery year-round with food and beverage options, places to get cozy and get some work done, spots to catch up with friends and colleagues, and art around every corner. We can’t wait to welcome you to our space!

What is the relationship between The Platform and Global Arts Live?

Global Arts Live, Boston’s trusted curator of global music and contemporary dance for over 35 years, created The Platform (originally incorporated as 585 Arts, Inc.) with building developer BioMed Realty. The Platform is envisioned as a place for the Cambridge and greater Boston community to gather, connect, create, and be inspired, and as a high quality venue available for rent by local artists, nonprofits, and the broader community. Global Arts Live provides The Platform with fundraising and development initiatives, marketing expertise, and finance and administrative support. Global Arts Live will also be a renter at The Platform, filling Takeda Theater with exciting performances at least 100 days a year.

Is The Platform hiring?

Yes! Please visit the Jobs page on the Global Arts Live to see current opportunities at The Platform.

Who can we thank for this beautiful building?

BioMed Realty (BMR), a Blackstone portfolio company and leading provider of real estate solutions to the life science and technology industries, acquired the property in August 2018. In addition to developing an advanced new lab and office building, BMR made a commitment to the cultural side of the most technologically innovative neighborhood on the planet. BMR teamed up with Global Arts Live, a Cambridge-based nonprofit with over 35 years of experience curating and presenting performances in many venues around Boston, and planning began on a 45,000 square foot performing arts center where art meets science meets community. They broke ground on Oct 26, 2022 with Suffolk Construction leading the build with design in hand from the talented group at CBT Architects. BioMed Realty (BMR), a Blackstone portfolio company and leading provider of real estate solutions to the life science and technology industries, acquired the property in August 2018. In addition to developing an advanced new lab and office building, BMR made a commitment to the cultural side of the most technologically innovative neighborhood on the planet. BMR teamed up with Global Arts Live, a Cambridge-based nonprofit with over 35 years of experience curating and presenting performances in many venues around Boston, and planning began on a 45,000-sq-ft performing arts center where art meets science meets community. They broke ground on Oct 26, 2022 with Suffolk Construction leading the build with design in hand from the talented group at CBT Architects.

How can I order tickets to concerts at The Platform?

Tickets can be purchased online and by phone at 617.876.4275, Mon.-Fri., 10AM-5PM.

What is The Platform's refund and exchange policy?

All ticket sales are final and there are no refunds or exchanges unless otherwise determined by the venue renter or presenter of the performance. Ticket service fees are not refundable. For more information on Global Arts Live exchange policy, click here.

Does my child need a ticket?

Every person, regardless of age, must have a ticket to enter. All ages are welcome, unless otherwise stated on the ticket or the event page on our website.

Why am I being charged a service fee online?

Service and exchange fees help cover the cost of putting on an event. These costs include box office operations, credit card commissions charged by banks, ticketing software, and website maintenance. Service fees are waived to Global Arts Live presented performances for Global Arts Live members. You can find more information about membership here.

Can I give my tickets to a friend?

To transfer ownership of your tickets please contact the Box Office during regular business hours by email at info@theplatformkendall.org or phone at 617.876.4275 and we will make every effort to accomodate your request.

What can I do if I accidently purchased a ticket from a scammer or third party site?

If you purchase tickets through any website other than theplatformkendall.org and my.theplatformkendall.org, or the official website of the performer or presenting organization, chances are you bought from an unverified reseller. If this happens, you can attempt to contact the website you purchased from and alert them that the tickets weren’t valid for entry and demand a refund. You are also encouraged to report the vendor to the Mayor’s Office of Consumer Affairs and Licensing at 617.635.3834 and consumer@boston.gov as well as the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell at 617.727.2200. You may also try contacting your credit card company to request a refund. If tickets are discovered to have been resold, they are subject to forfeit.

Does The Platform offer any discounts?

Discounts are determined for each performance by the venue renter or presenter. For information regarding discounts specific to Global Arts Live events, click here.

I lost my ticket! What do I do?

If you have lost your tickets to an event at The Platform, reprints can be issued by contacting the Box Office by email at info@theplatformkendall.org or phone at 617.876.4275 in advance of the performance. Reprints can also be issued in person at the Box Office beginning 2 hours prior to the event with a valid ID.

What is The Platform's camera policy?

Professional cameras are not permitted unless a photo pass has been issued. Phones are welcome—set to silent with the flash turned off—unless otherwise specified on your ticket, in your preconcert email, or if announced from the stage. Please keep in mind that others are trying to enjoy the concert and that your camera may be blocking their view or disrupting their experience. Please be considerate of your fellow patrons.

What happens when inclement weather is forecasted?

In the rare case of postponement or cancellation due to a weather emergency, ticket holders will be contacted by email and/or text message, depending on users’ communication preferences. Weather-related performance updates will also be posted on our homepage, the event page on our website, and shared on The Platform’s social media.

Can I rent space at The Platform?

The Platform offers three spaces available to rent including the 404-seat state-of-the-art Takeda Theater at The Platform, the 125-seat Tempo Stage, and the Rehearsal Studio. For more questions about renting space in The Platform, visit the Rentals page.

Are there hotels and restaurant options nearby?

There are many—including a bar and café inside The Platform! Visit the Plan Your Visit page for a full list of nearby accommodations, places to eat, and things to do!

Is there food and drink at The Platform?

The cafe on the ground floor is available for breakfast and lunch. Bar Tempo, located next to the Tempo Stage, is open 4PM-12AM, Wed-Sun and 5PM-12AM during performance evenings. The UpBeat Bar, located in the lobby of the Takeda Theater at The Platform is open one hour prior to performances in the theater and during intermissions. A valid ID is required for all alcoholic purchases. Bar hours are subject to change.

Is The Platform accessible?

The Platform was built with accessibility top of mind. We’ve made every effort to make your experience seamless, easy, and enjoyable. If you have specific questions, please contact the Box Office by email at info@theplatformkendall.org or phone at 617.876.4275.

I want to support The Platform. What can I do?

You can support The Platform in many ways! We are always looking for TPK Ambassadors, our insider circle who earn credit towards concerts for street team activities, social sharing, and more. We also except volunteers to be greeters and to provide programming assistance. You can also support The Platform financially. Ticket sales and rental fees do not cover the cost of operating a performing arts center. Donations directly support maintenance, programming, artist support, and the 25 free rental nights that are offered each year to community organizations.

Does my Global Arts Live membership work at The Platform?

Your Global Arts Live membership offers every benefit you’ve received historically for all Global Arts Live presented performances at The Platform.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here’s where you’ll (hopefully) find answers to all your questions about ticketing, accessibility, rentals, event policies, and more. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, our Audience Services team is always happy to help—and they might even recommend a concert or two!

Email info@theplatformkendall.org or call 617‑876‑4275.

We can’t wait to see you!

About

What is The Platform?
We’re so glad you asked! The Platform is a brand new performing arts center in the heart of Kendall Square—adding an exciting new layer of creativity to one of the most innovative square miles in the world. Spread across The Platform are three stages: the 404-seat state-of-the-art Takeda Theater at The Platform, the 125-seat ground floor Tempo Stage, and the Rehearsal Studio. On the main floor you’ll find yourself surrounded by greenery year-round with food and beverage options, places to get cozy and get some work done, spots to catch up with friends and colleagues, and art around every corner. We can’t wait to welcome you to our space!
What is the relationship between The Platform and Global Arts Live?
Global Arts Live, Boston’s trusted curator of global music and contemporary dance for over 35 years, created The Platform (originally incorporated as 585 Arts, Inc.) with building developer BioMed Realty. The Platform is envisioned as a place for the Cambridge and greater Boston community to gather, connect, create, and be inspired, and as a high quality venue available for rent by local artists, nonprofits, and the broader community. Global Arts Live provides The Platform with fundraising and development initiatives, marketing expertise, and finance and administrative support. Global Arts Live will also be a renter at The Platform, filling Takeda Theater with exciting performances at least 100 days a year.
Is The Platform hiring?
Yes! Please visit the Jobs page on the Global Arts Live to see current opportunities at The Platform.
Who can we thank for this beautiful building?
BioMed Realty (BMR), a Blackstone portfolio company and leading provider of real estate solutions to the life science and technology industries, acquired the property in August 2018. In addition to developing an advanced new lab and office building, BMR made a commitment to the cultural side of the most technologically innovative neighborhood on the planet. BMR teamed up with Global Arts Live, a Cambridge-based nonprofit with over 35 years of experience curating and presenting performances in many venues around Boston, and planning began on a 45,000 square foot performing arts center where art meets science meets community. They broke ground on Oct 26, 2022 with Suffolk Construction leading the build with design in hand from the talented group at CBT Architects. BioMed Realty (BMR), a Blackstone portfolio company and leading provider of real estate solutions to the life science and technology industries, acquired the property in August 2018. In addition to developing an advanced new lab and office building, BMR made a commitment to the cultural side of the most technologically innovative neighborhood on the planet. BMR teamed up with Global Arts Live, a Cambridge-based nonprofit with over 35 years of experience curating and presenting performances in many venues around Boston, and planning began on a 45,000-sq-ft performing arts center where art meets science meets community. They broke ground on Oct 26, 2022 with Suffolk Construction leading the build with design in hand from the talented group at CBT Architects.

For additional information about The Platform and Global Arts Live, visit the About page.

TICKETING

How can I order tickets to concerts at The Platform?
Tickets can be purchased online and by phone at 617.876.4275, Mon.-Fri., 10AM-5PM.
What is The Platform's refund and exchange policy?
All ticket sales are final and there are no refunds or exchanges unless otherwise determined by the venue renter or presenter of the performance. Ticket service fees are not refundable. For more information on Global Arts Live exchange policy, click here.
Does my child need a ticket?
Every person, regardless of age, must have a ticket to enter. All ages are welcome, unless otherwise stated on the ticket or the event page on our website.
Why am I being charged a service fee online?
Service and exchange fees help cover the cost of putting on an event. These costs include box office operations, credit card commissions charged by banks, ticketing software, and website maintenance. Service fees are waived to Global Arts Live presented performances for Global Arts Live members. You can find more information about membership here.
Can I give my tickets to a friend?
To transfer ownership of your tickets please contact the Box Office during regular business hours by email at info@theplatformkendall.org or phone at 617.876.4275 and we will make every effort to accomodate your request.
What can I do if I accidently purchased a ticket from a scammer or third party site?
If you purchase tickets through any website other than theplatformkendall.org and my.theplatformkendall.org, or the official website of the performer or presenting organization, chances are you bought from an unverified reseller. If this happens, you can attempt to contact the website you purchased from and alert them that the tickets weren’t valid for entry and demand a refund. You are also encouraged to report the vendor to the Mayor’s Office of Consumer Affairs and Licensing at 617.635.3834 and consumer@boston.gov as well as the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell at 617.727.2200. You may also try contacting your credit card company to request a refund. If tickets are discovered to have been resold, they are subject to forfeit.
Does The Platform offer any discounts?
Discounts are determined for each performance by the venue renter or presenter. For information regarding discounts specific to Global Arts Live events, click here.
I lost my ticket! What do I do?
If you have lost your tickets to an event at The Platform, reprints can be issued by contacting the Box Office by email at info@theplatformkendall.org or phone at 617.876.4275 in advance of the performance. Reprints can also be issued in person at the Box Office beginning 2 hours prior to the event with a valid ID.

For additional ticketing information call the Box Office at 617.876.4275.

VENUE INFORMATION

What is The Platform's camera policy?
Professional cameras are not permitted unless a photo pass has been issued. Phones are welcome—set to silent with the flash turned off—unless otherwise specified on your ticket, in your preconcert email, or if announced from the stage. Please keep in mind that others are trying to enjoy the concert and that your camera may be blocking their view or disrupting their experience. Please be considerate of your fellow patrons.
What happens when inclement weather is forecasted?
In the rare case of postponement or cancellation due to a weather emergency, ticket holders will be contacted by email and/or text message, depending on users’ communication preferences. Weather-related performance updates will also be posted on our homepage, the event page on our website, and shared on The Platform’s social media.
Can I rent space at The Platform?
The Platform offers three spaces available to rent including the 404-seat state-of-the-art Takeda Theater at The Platform, the 125-seat Tempo Stage, and the Rehearsal Studio. For more questions about renting space in The Platform, visit the Rentals page.
Are there hotels and restaurant options nearby?
There are many—including a bar and café inside The Platform! Visit the Plan Your Visit page for a full list of nearby accommodations, places to eat, and things to do!
Is there food and drink at The Platform?
The cafe on the ground floor is available for breakfast and lunch. Bar Tempo, located next to the Tempo Stage, is open 4PM-12AM, Wed-Sun and 5PM-12AM during performance evenings. The UpBeat Bar, located in the lobby of the Takeda Theater at The Platform is open one hour prior to performances in the theater and during intermissions. A valid ID is required for all alcoholic purchases. Bar hours are subject to change.
Is The Platform accessible?
The Platform was built with accessibility top of mind. We’ve made every effort to make your experience seamless, easy, and enjoyable. If you have specific questions, please contact the Box Office by email at info@theplatformkendall.org or phone at 617.876.4275.

For additional venue information call the Box Office at 617.876.4275.

Support

I want to support The Platform. What can I do?
You can support The Platform in many ways! We are always looking for TPK Ambassadors, our insider circle who earn credit towards concerts for street team activities, social sharing, and more. We also except volunteers to be greeters and to provide programming assistance. You can also support The Platform financially. Ticket sales and rental fees do not cover the cost of operating a performing arts center. Donations directly support maintenance, programming, artist support, and the 25 free rental nights that are offered each year to community organizations.
Does my Global Arts Live membership work at The Platform?
Your Global Arts Live membership offers every benefit you’ve received historically for all Global Arts Live presented performances at The Platform.

For more information on supporting The Platform, email our Individual Giving Manager.