Lincoln Center's Renovated David Geffen Hall to Reopen Almost Two Years Early

With reconstruction plans accelerated, the home to the New York Philharmonic is anticipated to reopen in the Fall of 2022

Costing over $500 million, the project aims to enhance New York City's economic recovery following the COVID pandemic. It is expected to provide over 6,000 jobs throughout the city and state of New York.

The new theater encompasses a “single-room” concept, with the audience seating wrapping around the stage, to support a wide range of performance initiatives. Public spaces will be open to the community, including a Welcome Center, a media streaming wall in the lobby, and a Sidewalk Studio — which will let those walking by see the venue's educational, artistic, and community activities.

Adapting from the past year, health and safety improvements will also be put in place including HVAC systems, filtration and air purifying systems, and antimicrobial technology integrated into surfaces.

The original renovation was set to be completed in February 2024, with the intention to have the hall close in phases so the orchestra could still use the space during certain times of the year. With an accelerated plan to reconstruct, the Philharmonic will relocate between Lincoln Center's Alice Tully Hall and Rose Theatre.

“The goal of accelerating this project is to invest in New York City at a time when we all have a part to play in its recovery,” said Katherine Farley, Chair of Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. "I want to pay tribute to the many people who have supported bringing this effort forward. In doing so, we are creating not just one of the world’s best cultural venues, but a space that welcomes our broader community.”

“Our accelerated renovation plan for David Geffen Hall allows us to make the most of COVID-19 closures to complete the renovation process faster and more efficiently, without stops and starts," added Deborah Borda, President and CEO of the New York Philharmonic. "The Hall’s immediate and long-term benefits to the community, Lincoln Center, our Orchestra, and the world of music are unparalleled. We look forward to returning to David Geffen Hall and welcoming everyone to our new, state-of-the-art home in Fall 2022 … a major signal that New York City is back.”