In the mid-1950s an urban miracle began to take shape. Over a hundred acres of a New York City slum known as Lincoln Square, were designated for urban renewal. With John D. Rockefeller III at the helm, the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, Inc. was formed. World-renowned architects Philip Johnson and Eero Saarinen are among those chosen to design the individual buildings. Sculptures by Henry Moore and Alexander Calder had been selected to enhance the site. By the early 1960s, Philharmonic Hall (now Avery Fisher), the first of 7 major structures on the site, opened. Soon after the Metropolitan Opera House debuted. Today Lincoln center is an urban oasis comprised of musical and theatrical venues with offerings that range from classical to experimental.
Today the Lincoln Center campus is home to a dazzling array of theatres, concert halls and music venues. These draw audiences from both artistes and audiences from around the globe and include:
Alice Tully Hall,
Avery Fisher Hall, Clark Studio Theater, Damrosch Park, Daniel and Joanna S. Rose Rehearsal Studio, Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola, Gerald W. Lynch Theater, Irene Diamond Education Center,
Juilliard Drama Theater, La Guardia Drama Theater, La Guardia Concert Hall,
Metropolitan Opera House,
Mitzi E. Newhouse Theater, Morse Recital Hall, New York Public Library for the Performing Arts,
New York State Theater,
Paul Recital Hall, Rose Theater,
Vivian Beaumont Theater and
The Walter Reade Theater.
Some of these halls are world-class venues such as Avery Fisher, Alice Tully, Mitzi Newhouse, the New York State Theatre, Vivian Beaumont and the Metropolitan Opera. Others, such as the Juilliard Drama Theatre, Dizzy Club Coca Cola and the Paul Recital Hall are intended to nurture future performers and serve as an incubator to new and exciting works by talented but unknown artists.
Where to Dine in and Around Lincoln Center:
Before or après the theatre, or even on a Sunday afternoon stroll, there are many dining options near and at Lincoln Center for pocketbooks large to very small.
Avery Fisher Hall:
- Cafe Vienna: Serving pastries, cakes, coffees and sandwiches. Open from 5pm through intermission nightly. Open from noon on matinee days for events at Avery Fisher Hall.
- Panevino Ristorante: Contemporary northern Italian cuisine. Open Monday through Saturday for dinner. Lunch served on matinee days for events at Avery Fisher Hall. Reservations: 212-874-7000.
Metropolitan Opera House:
- The Grand Tier Restaurant: Open Monday through Saturday for dinner and intermission services. Also serving lunch for Saturday matinees. Opens two hours before performances. Available only for Metropolitan Opera House ticket holders. Reservations suggested: 212-799-3400.
New York State Theater:
- Promenade Cafe: American Bistro Menu. Open for dinner and intermissions during the New York City Opera season. Opens two hours before performances. Available to New York City Opera ticket holders. Reservations suggested: 212-877-1652.
