Perelman Performing Arts Center’s (PAC NYC) ribbon connecting ceremony happened on Wednesday, September 13, shortly following the 22nd anniversary of 9/11. The magnificent space is set to welcome visitors for its first performance on Tuesday, September 19th.
Perelman Performing Arts Center spans multiple levels across a total of 129,000 square feet.
Through performances and storytelling, PAC NYC hopes to form powerful connections between artists and communities.
The theater is the final stage of Daniel Libeskind’s 2003 Master Plan for re-building the World Trade Center site following the 9/11 attacks. “The PAC will help to redefine Lower Manhattan as a cultural destination and serve as a testament to the power of the arts to inspire and unite us,” shares the PAC website.
During the day, the exterior will appear cream-colored, but at night, it will transform into a spectacle of itself by glowing amber from within. It’s cubic marble facade will disguise the theaters complex interiors featuring automated seating systems and walls.
With three flexible theater spaces within the venue, PAC NYC will host performances ranging from music to films and operas to dances. Moreover, the massive venue will include other facilities including a cafe, lobby bar, terrace and a public stage.
The design comes from architecture and design firm, REX, also responsible for the AT&T Performing Arts Center Dee & Charles Wyly Theatre in Dallas and the Vakko Fashion Center & Power Media Headquarters in Istanbul.
The inaugural season programming is now public and can be viewed on the PAC NYC website. The grand opening will kick off with a five-evening musical event titled Refuge: A Concert Series to Welcome the World. All of the evening performances of the event will be Pay-What-You-Wish.
Inaugural season highlights include Kerry Washington, Watch Night and more. PAC NYC will offer both ticket and membership options. Citi & Member Pre-Sale will opened up on June 20, while regular tickets went on sale beginning Friday, June 23.
“We believe the arts can inspire and unite us, and we are honored to fulfill this important role as the cultural cornerstone of the World Trade Center site. We will celebrate the diversity and humanity of all five boroughs of New York through ambitious and accessible programming, including free lobby performances on our Clare and Vartan Gregorian Stage, and in everything we do,” said Executive Director Khady Kamara.
Take a first look at the interior and exterior below:
Learn more about the theater’s construction and background on the Perelman website here.
📍 Corner of Fulton and Greenwich Streets on the World Trade Center Campus
🕑 First performance on Tuesday, September 19th, 2023