Governor Kathy Hochul today joined Lincoln Center and New York Philharmonic leadership to announce the opening of the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts' new $550 million David Geffen Hall. The reimagined home of the world-renowned New York Philharmonic has opened two years ahead of schedule with expanded access to public space for the community. The project has transformed David Geffen Hall into an illustrious venue that will further enrich New York City as a vibrant destination for the culture and arts.
"The transformation of David Geffen Hall is a pitch-perfect addition to one of New York's premier concert venues at the iconic Lincoln Center," Governor Hochul said. "Thanks to our well-orchestrated partnership, this project will boost New York's cultural and economic life with additional jobs, vibrant community space, and a new and improved concert hall two years ahead of schedule. Our arts institutions play a pivotal role as economic drivers, community centers, and cultural anchors, and I am excited for all of the music New Yorkers will experience and enjoy in this beautiful new home."
Empire State Development provided $6.5 million to support the transformation of David Geffen Hall, including the renovation and expansion of approximately 21,000 square feet of public space in and around the hall, which is open to the public without the need for a concert ticket:
- The Welcome Center: A 1,680 square foot space that is equipped with stations for refreshments and seating to receive tickets and information for all Lincoln Center programming.
- The Lobby: The newly expanded Lobby has installed a large media display which provides a digital platform for simulcast concerts, artworks, digital messaging among other uses.
- The Sidewalk Studio: A multipurpose space open to the public for performances, lectures, classes, screenings, community programming and more.
With Empire State Development's support, Lincoln Center has committed to creating 114 new full-time jobs, ranging from box office to stage crew and security, as well as launching a diversity and arts fellowship program that will provide paid training and mentorship for at least five Fellows over a five-year period. Lincoln Center commits to hosting at least 45 days of new free public programming per year for the first five years across the public spaces within David Geffen Hall.
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "Economic development works like a symphony, with each player creatively but collaboratively contributing their part. The work we've done in harmony with our partners on the new David Geffen Hall is creating the welcome sounds of added jobs, tourism and opportunity, through beautifully reimagined spaces where people can appreciate the uniqueness of Lincoln Center and New York City."
The reimagined David Geffen Hall at Lincoln Center supports Governor Hochul's efforts to rebuild and revitalize tourism post-pandemic which, as the state's third largest industry, is crucial to the economic health of New York City and New York State. With robust marketing campaigns and record-setting tourism industry support programs under the governor's leadership, New York continues to promote the city and the state as world-class travel destinations and spark economic growth and job creation.
Empire State Development Vice President and Executive Director of Tourism Ross D. Levi said, "Lincoln Center has always been a crown jewel of New York tourism, and the new David Geffen Hall will encourage even more visitors to plan a trip and explore the city. Our tourism economies continue to rebuild from the devastating effects of the pandemic, and while we're making progress, we're not back to our pre-pandemic benchmarks yet. I LOVE NY looks forward to promoting David Geffen Hall to a global audience as the latest arts and culture destination that will entice visitors to come be a part of all the excitement in New York State."
State Senator Brad Hoylman said, "The opening of Lincoln Center's David Geffen Hall stands as a testament to New York's resilience after a global pandemic and economic turmoil. Completed two years early, the new home to the iconic New York Philharmonic supports $600 million in ongoing economic development, brings 6,000 new jobs to our city, and serves as a new hotspot for our thriving arts community. Congratulations to Lincoln Center CEO Henry Timms, Lincoln Center Board Chair Katherine Farley, and the New York Philharmonic CEO and President Deborah Borda for seeing this legendary project through. Bravo!"
President and CEO of Lincoln Center Henry Timms said, "David Geffen Hall is for New York and for New Yorkers—proof of our resiliency after a tremendously difficult time. We are deeply grateful to Governor Hochul and ESD for their commitment to this project and New York's cultural landscape. Finally, our hometown orchestra has a home that lives up to its immense talent and creativity, boldly built through some of the darkest times in New York's history. To the millions of New Yorkers we hope will find inspiration here, welcome."
The New York Philharmonic's Deborah Borda, Linda and Mitch Hart President and CEO, said, "The New York Philharmonic's distinguished history is about to embark on a new chapter with the re-opening of David Geffen Hall. We emerge from the dark days of the pandemic and from the rebuilding process a stronger institution, transformed not only by new spaces but also by what we have learned from an ever-evolving conversation with our community. We are filled with gratitude to all of our partners, especially Empire State Development, who helped make this journey possible. Now it's time to begin anew."