Lincoln Center and the New York Philharmonic have accelerated the long-awaited revitalization of the iconic David Geffen Hall, which will now reopen in October 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.
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.
Explore the new David Geffen Hall
Reimagined from the inside out
New York is where creative legacies are made, where big ideas come together and synthesize into something great. With the revitalization of David Geffen Hall, reopening in October 2022, we’re creating a state-of-the-art home for the New York Philharmonic—a place where artists can shine and new and existing audiences are always welcome. Learn more »
Building a stronger community
At this crucial time in New York City’s recovery, the development of David Geffen Hall will support $600 million in economic activity and 6,000 jobs. Thus far, we have exceeded our benchmarks, with 42 percent construction participation by minority and women-owned businesses and 52 percent from underrepresented communities. Learn more »More helpful info
About the new David Geffen Hall
The revitalization of David Geffen Hall is centered around a deep focus on welcoming audiences, both new and existing, to the Lincoln Center campus at large. From the light and inviting Welcome Center and Lobby, to the airy and open Grand Promenade, and the innovative Sidewalk Studio—allowing passersby to catch a glimpse of performances from outside the building—the public spaces welcome all visitors to engage and enjoy throughout the day. A restaurant, patrons lounge, and music box will also be part of the grand reopening. The public spaces of David Geffen Hall are designed by Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects.
Home to the New York Philharmonic, the brand new concert hall is designed with optimized sightlines in mind, resulting in a more unified and intimate relationship between audience and performer. Designed by Diamond Schmitt Architects in collaboration with master acoustician Paul Scarbrough of Akustiks, the hall's state-of-the-art flexibility accommodates choral performances, recitals, semi-staged opera, dance, film premieres, amplified pop and rock concerts, and more. The sculpted, natural design—with textures reminiscent of sound waves—fosters a warm setting within the space paired with firefly light fixtures that create a luminous focal point above the orchestra.
Exterior of the new David Geffen Hall from Josie Robertson Plaza, in front of the stunning Revson Fountain.
An intimate and welcoming new concert hall, home to the New York Philharmonic. The curvilinear design creates a unified hall with optimized sightlines and the acoustic benefits of a shoebox theater.
The design’s state-of-the-art flexibility easily accommodates choral performances, recitals, semi-staged opera, dance, film premieres, amplified pop and rock concerts, and more.
The new Welcome Center at the nexus of Broadway and Columbus will be much more than just a box office; it will be the entry point to access the Lincoln Center campus at-large.
The Grand Promenade will be in many ways the heart of the public space at David Geffen Hall, its flexibility and openness aimed at enabling a diverse array of activations, from interactive family events to amplified concerts and fashion shows.
The Sidewalk Studio will be an altogether new space for creative music and smaller performances, talks, educational and social activities, independently accessible from a separate entrance on Columbus, as well as via the main lobby.
Building a Stronger Community Together
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 minority and women-owned businesses, 40 percent from underrepresented communities.