The Future of Lincoln Center

Plans to transform Lincoln Center were announced in 1999 on the 50th Anniversary of the cultural landmark. The upgrades aim to make the center more contemporary and to make it more welcoming to the public, even to those who are not attending performances. One of the architects involved in the project, Elizabeth Diller, discussed this goal: "We wanted to make it transparent, make it float, open up as many surfaces as possible." To do so, the architects incorporated a lot of glass, new landscape features, and public spaces. The project is under construction in two-phases, and redesign and renovation of many other Lincoln Center venues is also underway. The project is estimated to cost about $1.4 billion once completed.

West 65th Street Project

The West 65th Street Project is the first of the two-phase Lincoln Center redevelopment project. It has been designed by the architects Diller Scofidio + Renfro in conjunction with FXFOWLE Architects. Plans include a redesign of major performance venues, including Alice Tully Hall, as well as entrance redesigns for The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, The Film Society, The Juilliard Schoool, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, Lincoln Center Theater, and the School of American Ballet. The project includes new indoor and outdoor public spaces, updated visitor information systems, and a great public lawn.

Completely renovated Alice Tully Hall. Alice Tully Hall features over 750 activities a year and has not undergone any major renovation since it opened in 1969.

Lincoln Center Promenade

The second part of this two-phase project is the Lincoln Center Promenade, designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro in conjunction with Beyer Blinder Belle. The plan includes rebuilding the primary entryway on Columbus Avenue and updates to what is considered the main lobby to the campus: Josie Robertson Plaza. The changes aim to alter the ways in which pedestrians and vehicles approach Lincoln Center, in line with the project's overall goal of making the campus more open and inviting.

Design for the main approach to Lincoln Center.

A 3,500 square-foot green space is also under construction. It was designed with the intention of providing the public with a space to relax.

The future Charles B. Benenson Grove.

Visitor Space at Lincoln Center

In a related project, there are plans to transform the Harmony Atrium, which is a privately owned public space that is part of Lincoln Center's 16-acre campus. The project has been designed by Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects and is located between Broadway and Columbus Avenue. The $22 million atrium will serve as a gathering place as well as a performance venue for Target Free Thursdays and a discounted ticket booth, much like Broadway's TKTS.

The Harmony Atrium before construction.

Design for the new Visitor Space.

Check it out...

I recommend that everyone go see a performance at Lincoln Center at least once. They offer dance, theater, opera, classical music, jazz, film, and guided tours, among many other types of performances. Student discounts are offered, and you can see a show for as little as $7. Check out the following link for more information: http://www.lincolncenter.org/load_screen.asp?screen=purchase_studentdiscounts.

Lincoln Center also offers many free performances. Many can be seen in August as part of the Lincoln Center Out of Doors Festival, which will be held from the 5th to the 23rd this year. For more information on on the scheduled performances, which range from electric guitar to classical ballet to hip hop, check out: http://www.lincolncenter.org/asc_load_screen.asp?screen=advanced_search_results&program=4.

The Dirty Dozen Bass Band plays at Lincoln Center's 2006 Out of Doors Festival.

Lincoln Center also tries to get the community involved in performance through annual programs such as Midsummer Night Swing. Midsummer Night Swing is held each July and includes an hour-long dance lesson before a live performance. This year, performances include swing bands from all over, tango groups from Argentina, and a kid's day special for everyone. Tickets are $15, but special passes can be found as well. Check out this site for more information: http://new.lincolncenter.org/live/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=167&Itemid=69.

Beleza Brazil @ Lincoln Center's Midsummer NIght Swing, 2007.

For the more classically-inclined, there is the Mostly Mozart Festival, which will be held this year from July 28th to August 22nd. For more information on this program, which includes performances as well as films, see: http://new.lincolncenter.org/live/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=225&Itemid=70.

The Festival Orchestra, 2006.