Governor Hochul Announces Lincoln Center's $550 Million David Geffen Hall to be Completed in October 2022

 

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.