newly transformed david geffen hall opens at lincoln center

completed two years ahead of schedule

the new david geffen hall has opened today, october 8th, 2022 — two years ahead of schedule and on budget. the iconic cultural revitalization project comes at a crucial moment for new york city, lincoln center, and the new york philharmonic. additionally, the funding goal for the $550 million project has been achieved. while diamond schmitt architects led the design of the theater, tod williams billie tsien architects led the design of the public spaces.

the project is improving the entire concert-going experience, creating a state-of-the-art theater to serve as the home of the new york philharmonic and accommodate anticipated artists and audiences of the future. at the same time, it is creating tens of thousands of square feet of new public space for diverse cultural uses, including performance and community—many of them free to the public. it is achieving all this while respecting the iconic exterior.

david geffen hall, the revitalized theater at lincoln center

the re-imagination of lincoln center’s david geffen hall is carried out by diamond schmitt architects (see more) in collaboration with acoustician paul scarbrough of akustiks (see more) and theater designer joshua dachs of fisher dachs associates (see more). the crucial and beautiful project will create jobs and driving the economy as new york city recovers from the economic and social impact of COVID-19. the new york philharmonic and lincoln center were determined to keep the building process moving throughout the pandemic to create jobs and enhance the cultural life of the city.

now open, the new york philharmonic and lincoln center are delivering on their promise — the project will support $600 million in economic activity and 6,000 jobs for new yorkers. the project team has exceeded its inclusion benchmarks, with 42 percent construction participation by minority- and women-owned businesses, and averaging 52 percent of the workforce from underrepresented communities.

the interiors by tod williams billie tsien architects

the reimagination of david geffen hall welcomes all who visit with generosity, warmth and fun. vivid colors, patterns and textures that mirror the spirit and vibrancy of performance will enrich its public spaces.

choreographed to maximize comfort and flexibility, this space is meant to be a living room for new york city — an invitation to everyone to be a part of lincoln center’s and the new york philharmonic’s offerings.

‘the release and joy music brings has never been so needed. it is a precious part of our lives in new york and we are thrilled to help make a new home for the philharmonic and our beloved city.’ said tod williams and billie tsien.

ULTRA-improved acoustics

designed by diamond schmitt architects in collaboration with acoustician paul scarbrough of akustiks and theater designer joshua dachs of fisher dachs associates, the theater’s design is focused on ensuring superior acoustics and a revitalized, state-of-the-art home for the new york philharmonic, its primary resident. diamond schmitt’s design for a curvilinear, unified hall will create a more welcoming and intimate audience experience with optimized sightlines. by reducing the number of seats by 500 for a total of 2200, and relocating the stage forward by 25 feet, the seating will wrap around the stage and bring the entire audience 30 percent closer to the performers, while also improving the acoustics.