Since the $550 million fundraising goal was reached, the new hall managed to open on budget and two years ahead of schedule.
New Yorkers can enjoy the New York Philharmonic in a state-of-the-art theater that will be “home for an orchestra of the 21st century,” said Deborah Borda, Linda and Mitch Hart President and CEO of the New York Philharmonic.
The new theater design by Diamond Schmitt Architects along with acoustician Paul Scarbrough and theater designer Joshua Dachs emphasizes acoustics in the space to enrich the beautiful performances that will be held there. The design’s flexibility allows the space to accommodate a multitude of performances from a semi-staged opera to amplified pop and rock concerts.
Furthermore, the theater creates a more intimate environment, improving sightlines by removing 500 seats from the theater, pushing the stage 25 feet forward, and bringing audiences 30% closer.
Beech wood walls surround the audience and performers, as flower petal fabric cover the seats and firefly light fixtures loom overhead.
Beyond improving the overall “concert-going experience,” the hall creates new public spaces for multi-cultural uses. Tens of thousands of square feet have been dedicated to the community and free public performances.
Designed by architecture firm Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects, lively colors, patterns and textures compliment the public spaces meant to be a “living room for New York City.”
Previous office space on Broadway and 65th Street make way for a smaller venue called “Sidewalk Studio.” Here, visitors can enjoy everything from talks, readings, after-school activities, film screenings, and smaller performances. Stay tuned as an exciting cafe is expected to open later in November with outdoor seating on the same level as the Sidewalk Studio!
The main focus of the hall’s public spaces will be the Grand Promenade. This elegant, open space will feature a large bar that will grant access to the outer terrace. Two additional bars are located at the east and west corners of the First Tier.
New Yorkers can catch prime people-watching and an array of events set to happen in the central space. More information is to come about a potential restaurant, patrons lounge, and “music box.”
“The new David Geffen Hall will be NYC’s cultural hub, teeming with excitement from early morning to late at night—a place where New Yorkers will drop by just to see what’s happening, knowing they will find welcoming public spaces offering dynamic free entertainment, food, fun, art and culture in addition to the superb performances of the NY Philharmonic,” said Katherine Farley, Chair of the Board of Directors at Lincoln Center.
The main lobby will even feature a 50-foot media wall that will broadcast live performances to the public for free!
Around 6,000 jobs and $600 million in economic activity have been created from this project. “We built through the pandemic because we knew New Yorkers needed jobs as much as they needed culture. We are so grateful to the vast numbers of people who helped make this vision come to life—partners, donors, trustees, staff, designers, engineers and builders. We look forward to welcoming everyone in October,” said Farley.
The new David Geffen Hall is the “largest cultural investment project to open since before the pandemic,” shared Henry Timms, President and CEO of Lincoln Center for the Performing Art in a recent press release.
The new hall will serve as a cultural legacy for all future performers to grace the space. Find out more at Lincoln Center’s website here.