Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, located on the Upper West Side of New York, is a premier cultural institution comprising multiple venues. It spans over 16.3 acres and consists of twelve resident organizations, including The Metropolitan Opera, New York Philharmonic, and New York City Ballet.
Construction began in 1959, spearheaded by philanthropist John D. Rockefeller III. The first building completed was the David Geffen Hall, originally named Philharmonic Hall, in 1962. It was followed by the David H. Koch Theater, formerly known as the New York State Theater, in 1964.
The Juilliard School is also part of Lincoln Center. It is one of the world's leading music, dance, and drama schools. Alice Tully Hall, another key venue, was named after the benefactor Alice Tully, a New York Chamber Society patron.
A lesser-known fact is that the complex was built on land that was previously a residential neighborhood, which had been depicted in the film "West Side Story". The area was redeveloped as part of an urban renewal project.
The Lincoln Center is also home to the Lincoln Center Theater, which operates from the Vivian Beaumont Theater. The theater is notable for its thrust stage, which extends into the audience on three sides.
One intriguing piece of trivia is that the Lincoln Center hosts a unique event called Midsummer Night Swing, a series of outdoor dance parties held every summer. It allows people to dance to live music under the stars in the heart of New York City.
The Film Society of Lincoln Center, now known as Film at Lincoln Center, is another key resident. It is known for organizing the annual New York Film Festival, which has been running since 1963.
Lincoln Center features a distinctive architectural design by a team of renowned architects, including Philip Johnson, Eero Saarinen, and Wallace K. Harrison. The Revson Fountain at the center of the plaza is a popular attraction, especially at night when it is illuminated.
Overall, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts is not just a cultural hub but also a historical landmark with many hidden stories and significant contributions to the arts.