Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts is one of the principal performing arts venues in New York City, if not the world. It is located in the Lincoln Square neighborhood of Manhattan, which is on the Upper West Side.
The center was established on May 14, 1959, through the joint efforts of John D. Rockefeller III, Mayor Robert F. Wagner, and President Dwight D. Eisenhower. It was built during the period of urban renewal in the 1950s and 1960s as part of an effort to revitalize the Upper West Side.
Lincoln Center hosts a large number of world-renowned performing arts organizations, including:
- The Metropolitan Opera: Known as “The Met,” it’s one of the most famous opera companies in the world.
- New York Philharmonic: The oldest active symphony orchestra in the United States.
- New York City Ballet: One of the premier ballet companies in the world.
- The Juilliard School: An elite conservatory for performing arts with programs in music, drama, and dance.
- Lincoln Center Theater: This venue offers plays and musicals, both original and revival.
- Jazz at Lincoln Center: This venue, located in the Time Warner Center, is dedicated to the creation and performance of jazz music.
- Film Society of Lincoln Center: This organization celebrates American and international cinema through the New York Film Festival, among other programs.
- New York Public Library for the Performing Arts: This library contains extensive collections of historical materials related to theater, dance, music, and film.
- School of American Ballet: An esteemed classical ballet school associated with the New York City Ballet.
- Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center: This society presents concerts and educational events devoted to chamber music.
Lincoln Center is well known for its architecture, with most of its buildings built in the modernist style. The main buildings are arranged around a large plaza with a central fountain, and the entire complex is situated in a park-like campus.
In addition to its resident organizations, Lincoln Center also hosts many other events, including the Mostly Mozart Festival in the summer, Lincoln Center Out of Doors presentations, Midsummer Night Swing, the White Light Festival in the fall, and Live From Lincoln Center broadcasts on PBS.
Lincoln Center underwent a significant renovation and development plan starting in the early 2000s to modernize its facilities and improve the overall visitor experience. This project included the development of the David Rubenstein Atrium, a space that offers free performances, discounted tickets, and a public visitor facility.
In short, Lincoln Center is a cultural epicenter, playing an invaluable role in the art scene not only in New York City but also globally.