Lincoln Center and the New York Philharmonic have accelerated the long-awaited revitalization of the iconic David Geffen Hall, which will now reopen in Fall 2022.
Three goals underlie all the planning and aspirations for the project: to create a premier home for the New York Philharmonic, to welcome and better connect with our communities, and support the comeback of New York City. Scroll down to learn more about what’s in store.
The reimagination of the new David Geffen Hall will reflect both the essential role that the arts play in our lives, as well as the comeback of the most dynamic city in the world.
The New York Philharmonic and Lincoln Center are committed to investing in New York’s economic future; that means investing in New Yorkers.
As we work together to transform David Geffen Hall—the home of New York City’s legendary orchestra—into a world-class concert hall and a major new tourist destination, our workforce development program for New Yorkers in the local community new to the construction industry sits at the center of the effort.
30 program participants recently graduated from a five week, full-time paid in-classroom course to introduce program participants to the construction industry. They also receive one-on-one mentorship and are currently training onsite at David Geffen Hall with the goal of full-time employment with either Turner or one of its trade partners, as well as union membership.
The project will support $600 million in economic activity and 6,000 jobs for New York in a crucial time for the city’s recovery. We have committed to—and are exceeding—a minimum of 30 percent construction participation by MWBEs, 40 percent from underrepresented communities.
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Workforce Development graduation August 2021
When will David Geffen Hall reopen? [+]
Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts and the New York Philharmonic will reopen David Geffen Hall to the public in Fall 2022, nearly two years earlier than previously announced. The New York Philharmonic will perform a full 2021–22 subscription season, with complete details to be announced in June 2021. To accommodate the continuous construction timeline, the Orchestra will perform in New York City venues, including on the Lincoln Center campus they call home, such as Alice Tully Hall and the Rose Theatre at Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Frederick P. Rose Hall.
I am a New York Philharmonic subscriber. What will happen to my seats? [+]
The 2021–22 subscription season is taking place in Alice Tully Hall and the Rose Theatre at Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Frederick P. Rose Hall. Priority seating for Curated Subscribers was made available through presale access in June for the 2021-22 season. Single tickets and Create Your Own subscriptions are now available. You can explore the 2021-22 season here.
The New York Philharmonic will return to David Geffen Hall for the 2022–23 season, at which point Curated Subscribers will be able to renew their original seats, or the closest available equivalent. The New York Philharmonic’s Customer Relations team will contact any subscriber whose seating is affected, and work with you to secure comparable seating. We are confident that every seat in the reimagined hall will be an upgrade, both acoustically and visually.
For further questions, please contact Customer Relations at (212) 875-5656, or customerservice@nyphil.org.
What changes are being made to improve sightlines and acoustics? [+]
The number of seats will be reduced from 2,738 to 2,200 in order to optimize acoustics and be much closer to the originally intended capacity.
The stage is moving forward by 25 feet, with all seats being closer to the stage, plus the addition of wrap-around seating surrounding the orchestra, providing acoustical and visual intimacy for the entire audience. This is similar to the staging for Mostly Mozart Festival.
Sightlines will improve by restoring the original 1962 steeper seating rake (incline) on the orchestra level while also improving accessibility throughout the hall.
What changes are being made to the public spaces? [+]
The lobby will double in size, welcoming the community to convene, connect, and socialize in a more comfortable setting.
Additional performance spaces, including The Sidewalk Studio, will create dynamic opportunities for intimate performances and educational activities to engage the community.
There will be two new Patron Lounges.
The addition of a new Welcome Center will provide event information and ticketing services.
Will there be improvements to accessibility? [+]
Creating an accessible experience for all artists and guests is at the forefront in planning the reimagined David Geffen Hall. State-of-the-art assistive listening technology will be installed. There will be more accessible seating locations in varying positions throughout the hall and additional accessible restrooms.
Where will the Box Office be located while David Geffen Hall is closed for construction? [+]
The primary box office for the 2021-22 season will be located at Alice Tully Hall.
Who is the project team for the renovation? [+]
The design team consists of Diamond Schmitt Architects, led by Gary McCluskie, on the concert hall; Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects │ Partners, led by Tod Williams and Billie Tsien, on all of the public spaces; acoustician Paul Scarbrough of Akustiks; and theater designer Joshua Dachs of Fisher Dachs Associates. Turner Construction Company is serving as construction manager; and the firms Kohler Ronan and Thornton Tomasetti are providing engineering services.
Will the renovated hall have a restaurant? [+]
Daytime and pre-show dining will be offered in a destination eatery located in the southwest corner of the lobby with extended hours, including service after concerts. There will also be more food and beverage service throughout the hall.
Will the renovation impact parking on campus? [+]
We expect parking services to remain fully operational during the renovation.
What improvements are being made to the current security procedures? [+]
The safety of our guests is of the utmost importance. There will be state-of-the-art security solutions to provide a safe and comfortable experience for our guests.
How will the hall improve on health and safety procedures? [+]
The new David Geffen Hall will have state-of-the-art HVAC systems, filtration and air purifying systems, antimicrobial technology integrated into select surfaces, and a number of additional improvements developed using recommendations from a variety of sources including the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration), and ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers).
Lincoln Center and the New York Philharmonic are committed to ensuring that David Geffen Hall is a venue for all New Yorkers. The comprehensive renovation of David Geffen Hall will include a minimum 30 percent construction participation by Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprises, 40 percent workforce inclusion from underrepresented communities, and a workforce development program established with area officials and community members to create additional full-time job opportunities for local residents.
Who is funding the renovation? [+]
Lincoln Center and the New York Philharmonic are working together on a joint fundraising campaign. To date, $500 million, or over 90%, of the $550 million project budget has been raised, the vast majority from private sources.
Will construction at David Geffen Hall affect any other venues on the Lincoln Center campus? [+]
Every effort will be made to minimize the impact to other venues on campus.
Are you engaging Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprises in the construction of David Geffen Hall? [+]
Lincoln Center and the New York Philharmonic are committed to ensuring that David Geffen Hall is a venue for all New Yorkers. 42% of construction contracts for the project are with MWBEs and 51% of the project’s workforce are from underrepresented communities to date, significantly exceeding initial goals. A workforce development program was also established with area officials and community members to create 30 full-time job opportunities for local residents with Turner Construction.
NEW YORK PHILHARMONIC PUBLIC RELATIONS
(212) 875-5700
nyphilharmonicnews@nyphil.org
LINCOLN CENTER PUBLIC RELATIONS
(212) 875-5999
pressoffice@lincolncenter.org