Skip to main content

About the Exchange

Classical Revival brownstone that the Exchange, formally known as Eutaw Savings Bank, moved into in 1887

The Story Begins in

1887

Eutaw Savings Bank moved into this Classical Revival brownstone in 1887, when the bank vacated the Baltimore Equitable Society Building across the street. The original building was designed by Charles L. Carson. For years, this building served Baltimoreans and helped many businesses grow and thrive.

Baltimore venue, M&T Bank Exchange, formally known as Eutaw Savings Bank, in 1887.

The Story Continues in

1949

The M&T Bank Exchange, located at 401 W. Fayette Street, is the former Eutaw Savings Bank building, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Properties.

Exterior of Eutaw Savings Bank, 1949 | Photo Courtesy of MARYLAND HISTORICAL TRUST
Elegant Façade of Eutaw Savings Bank, 1949 | Photo Courtesy of MARYLAND HISTORICAL TRUST
Classic interior of Eutaw Savings Bank, 1949 | Photo Courtesy of BALTIMORE MUSEUM OF INDUSTRY ARCHIVES

The Space Reopens in

2004

When the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center re-opened in 2004, the venue was known as the M&T Bank Pavilion, but planned improvements to the space were not able to be completed as part of the renovation of the Center receiving only a fresh coat of paint and new carpeting. As a result, the space has sat largely unused for the past 18 years.

M&T Bank Exchange: Pre Construction in 2004
M&T Bank Exchange: Pre Construction in 2004

Pre-Construction Began in

2017

The re-imagination of the former M&T Bank Pavilion began when it became clear that a venue of the size, scope, and capacity was missing in Baltimore and was sorely needed. OTJ Architects of Washington D.C. was engaged to design the project. OTJ has extensive experience with renovating historic entertainment palaces, including the B.F. Keith Memorial Theatre in Boston (now the Citizens Bank Opera House), the Kings Theatre in Brooklyn, NY, the Saenger Theatre in New Orleans, and currently the monumental flagship Lowes Theatre in Jersey City.

As part of the design, two additional levels were added, which took the room from approximately 5,000 square-feet to just over 12,000 square-feet, as well the lighting, sound, rigging, staging, and control systems that would transform the space. The France-Merrick Foundation provided the first $2M to fund the architectural drawings, followed by the Abell Foundation with an additional $1M. The John Gore Organization generously provided an additional $1.75M.

Exchange covered in purple light elegantly showcasing the marble floor and multiple levels

The Exchange Opens in

2023

The M&T Bank Exchange is the result of a campaign that took over 6 years, 21 million dollars, and a passionate team who believe in West Baltimore and its community. The flexible community space is set to become a hub for the arts, educational outreach, and events while complementing the existing Hippodrome Theatre’s campaign rooted in the belief that Live Theatre is For Everyone. We are committed to creating a space that will accommodate the exchange of ideas, stories, art, music, vows, and celebration and look forward to a promising future at the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center.

The spectacular, brand-new space features

Exchange covered in light purple lighting with the expandable seating pulled out

Venue Features

High-definition video wall, 26 ft wide x 14 ft high with customizable stage options
High-definition video wall, 26 ft wide x 14 ft high with customizable stage options
Top-tier plug-and-play surround sound system and state-of-the art lighting system
Top-tier plug-and-play surround sound system and state-of-the art lighting system
Custom retractable telescopic seating
Custom retractable telescopic seating
Three Levels of Functional Space for Flexibility and Capacity
Three levels of functional space for flexibility and capacity
Reimagined entry lobby, Weinman Hall with playable piano
Reimagined entry lobby, Weinman Hall with playable piano
Historic Kamenetz Green Room located directly behind the stage
Historic Kamenetz Green Room located directly behind the stage

Vision and Values

As part of Hippodrome Foundation and Broadway Across America, the team at the M&T Bank Exchange work hard to introduce and welcome everyone to the arts and all of the assets of the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center.

  • We welcome all.
  • We invite new ideas.
  • We celebrate individuality.
  • We are obsessed with storytelling.
  • We are passionate about world-class service.
  • We embrace every member of our community as family.
Baltimore drag queen, Evan Dior Michelle, singing on the Exchange Stage taken by Megapixels Media

Live theater is for everyone.

As a Broadway Across America company, we believe that live theater is for everyone. Everyone means people of all races, ethnicities, gender identities, sexual orientations, and people with disabilities. We specifically want to increase participation for those that have been historically underrepresented in the commercial theater industry.

As we strive to spark meaningful and lasting change, we are committed to doing the hard work. We recognize that this work will require us to both listen and lead. We are fully prepared to do both.

Our Company

What you need to know before your next visit.

Plan Your Visit

Ready to book your event? Let’s start planning.

Start Your Rental Form