NEWSLETTER
Project Complements Efforts to Revitalize New York State's Tourism Industry
New York State Providing $6.5 Million to Accelerate Completion and Support Major Expansion of Public Space
Expanded Public Space to Host Free Community-Based Public Programming
Renderings Available Here
Governor Kathy Hochul today joined Lincoln Center leadership to announce that the $550 million renovation of Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts' new David Geffen Hall will be completed in October 2022, two years ahead of schedule. The hall is being reimagined from the inside out with expanded access to public space for the community, supported by a $6.5 million grant from Empire State Development. The project will transform the storied concert hall and home of the renowned New York Philharmonic into a world-class venue and destination that will further support New York City's post-pandemic economic recovery.
"Lincoln Center is a central piece of New York's cultural heart and the new David Geffen Hall, complete with expanded public and community spaces, will make that heart beat even stronger," Governor Hochul said. "New York's comeback is just getting started and this project is a crucial part of that comeback, creating jobs and giving New Yorkers and visitors from across the globe the opportunity to experience world-class entertainment in a state-of-the-art venue. I look forward to seeing this magnificent facility introduce the next generation to the joy of the arts."
Empire State Development is providing up to $6.5 million to accelerate the transformation of David Geffen Hall, including approximately 21,000 square feet of renovated and expanded public space in and around the hall. Through this project, Lincoln Center has committed to creating 114 new full-time jobs. Additionally, the iconic venue plans to host new community-based public programming in the public space and launch a diversity and arts job training program that will provide paid fellowships to support the community-based programming.
The reimagined David Geffen Hall will be the premier home for the New York Philharmonic and will improve the overall concert-goer experience, which will include a state-of-the-art theater for artists and audiences. The public spaces will expand by tens of thousands of square feet to create a deeper connection with the audience and community. This will improve the quality of the experience for both ticket holders and the general public, with a focus on equitable access to arts programming. Additional components of the public spaces project include:
- The main lobby will double in size and open on three sides to connect with the campus to allow community activity to flow.
- A media streaming wall at the core of the new lobby will show concerts and events for free in real time as well as other digital material.
- A new Welcome Center on Broadway will offer a portal to Lincoln Center for the public.
- The reconfigured and reenergized Grand Promenade will create one of the largest gathering spaces at a performance facility in New York City, with ability to welcome more than 1,000 people for an event.
- The Sidewalk Studio, visible from the street on the corner of 65th Street and Broadway, will be a home for educational, artistic, and community activities, and provide a window into the performers and ideas that live on campus.
Empire State Development Acting Commissioner and President and CEO-designate Hope Knight said, "Lincoln Center is an iconic destination for New York's residents and visitors alike, and this expansion reflects the renewed energy of the city's cultural core. ESD's investment in David Geffen Hall will help to create jobs and support our tourism economy with new and expanded spaces that invite even more people to enjoy and explore Lincoln Center."
The accelerated completion of David Geffen Hall furthers Governor Hochul's commitment to revitalize tourism in New York State. The tourism industry was among the hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw significant losses in visitation, direct spending and economic impact. In November, Governor Hochul announced the "Bring Back Tourism, Bring Back Jobs" inclusive recovery package, featuring targeted programs and initiatives designed to support the industry's economic rebuild.
Governor Hochul also recently announced the launch of new global I LOVE NY ads, representing the state's first paid tourism advertising to overseas markets. The new 30-second ad features a mix of newer attractions and iconic favorites from across New York City - including Lincoln Center - and encourages residents and visitors alike to plan a first-time trip or a return visit to find what they love and come be a part of all that New York State has to offer.
State Senator Brad Hoylman said, "For over 60 years, Lincoln Center has been creating jobs for New Yorkers, bringing music and entertainment to the masses, and enticing tourists to visit the Big Apple. At a moment when New Yorkers and visitors from around the world are ready to once again safely enjoy the arts, it's wonderful to see the improvements to David Geffen Hall set to finish two years early."
Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal said, "The David Geffen Hall expansion represents a multitude of opportunities for artists as well as for residents of the Lincoln Center community, who will also benefit from the jobs and new community spaces that the project will create. These last few years have been challenging for the city's economy and for artists and arts institutions, and I am hopeful that this expansion represents the next phase in our recovery, where we all come out better than before. I am proud to represent Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts in the New York State Assembly, and I would like to thank Governor Hochul for her support of this project and for her faith in New York's future."
Council Member Gale Brewer said, "Congratulations to Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts and the Philharmonic on the progress of the new David Geffen Hall, which will be the ongoing home of the Philharmonic. I am grateful to Governor Hochul for her support of this project. I was pleased as Manhattan Borough President to allocate $50,000 to this project in FY21, which creates 6,000 jobs, including over 30 positions for local community members, and provides space for great cultural expression for our city and nation. I am committed to the people who make art, as well as to the workers who provide the support systems for that cultural growth. Additionally, I would like to thank the Philharmonic for visiting so many parks around our city during the pandemic; I had the honor of participating in many performances. I look forward to the many additional visitors that the David Geffen Hall will attract and I welcome the full-strength encore of our pre-pandemic tourism economy."
Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts President and CEO Henry Timms said, "The revitalization of David Geffen Hall is a symbol that New York is open for business—the largest cultural investment project to open since before the pandemic, accelerated to show that New York is still the vibrant hub of the cultural world.Our deep thanks to Empire State Development for its support. The fact that we are able to deliver this project on time and on budget speaks to the incredible teamwork at all levels, and sends a clear message that something new and exciting is afoot on this legendary campus—a deep focus on welcome, on audiences both new and existing. You belong here; this is your new David Geffen Hall."
President and CEO of the New York Philharmonic Deborah Borda, Linda and Mitch Hart said, "Opening two years ahead of schedule, the New York Philharmonic and Lincoln Center are bringing this important project in for a landing! Many thanks to Empire State Development for its definitional support. Without the unprecedented partnership between our two organizations, the State, City, and donors, it simply would not have been possible. Together we have created a home for an orchestra of the 21st century, which requires not only true versatility but the creation of new public spaces that invite in all New Yorkers."
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