Lincoln Center's Revamped David Geffen Hall Will Reopen in October | Playbill

Industry News Lincoln Center's Revamped David Geffen Hall Will Reopen in October

The reimagined home for the New York Philharmonic will welcome audiences this fall.

Rendering of David Geffen Hall

The new David Geffen Hall will open in October, two years ahead of schedule. Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts and the New York Philharmonic previously announced the acceleration of the renovation of the space, formerly known as Avery Fisher Hall. 

The-long gestating project, once expected to be completed by March 2024, has also achieved its $550 million funding goal.

“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,” says Katherine Farley, chair of the Board of Directors at Lincoln Center. “This project is a statement of faith in the future of culture in our city. 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.”

Artist rendering of the interior of the newly renovated David Geffen Hall-Interior Diamond Schmitt Architects

Lincoln Center previously said that the accelerated project would boost New York City’s economic recovery, generating more than $600 million in project-related economic activity. This includes an estimated 6,000 jobs throughout the city and state, of which 3,000 are construction-based.

The design team consists of Diamond Schmitt Architects, led by Gary McCluskie, on the theatre; Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects Partners, led by Williams and Tsien, on the public spaces; acoustician Paul Scarbrough of Akustiks; and theatre designer Joshua Dachs of Fisher Dachs Associates.

The design for the new theatre introduces a “single-room” concept, eliminating the proscenium and moving the stage forward by 25 feet, with audience seating wrapped around it. Seating capacity will be reduced by 500 seats to 2,200, and a steeper rake will be added to the orchestra level, improving acoustics and sightlines. The Hall will also have state-of-the-art HVAC systems, filtration and air purifying systems, and antimicrobial technology integrated into select surfaces.

“I am thrilled to be at the new David Geffen Hall to show the world that New York City is back,” adds New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “Our arts and culture don’t belong to a limited few but to all of us, and at Lincoln Center, we will all experience them. The New York Philharmonic has brought New Yorkers together through art for decades, and I can’t wait to open these doors to the public. This new facility will truly be a cultural home for all New Yorkers—offering tens of thousands of feet of public space, even if you aren’t catching a show.”

More details on the renovation can be found at DavidGeffenHall.info.

 
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