NY Philharmonic's David Geffen Hall
(c) Remy Franck
The New York Philharmonic and the Lincoln Center announced a complete renovation of Geffen Hall (ex-Avery Fischer Hall) at a cost of $550 million. In the hall the acoustics will be improved and around 67% of its third tier will be eliminated. The stage will come forward by nearly one meter to create seven rows of seating in the back of the orchestra. In total, the current seating capacity of 2.738 will be reduced by 500.
Part of the renovation are also the enlarging of the lobby, the creation of a welcome center, a room for educational activities, new patron lounges and dining options.
So far, the New York Philharmonic and the Lincoln Center have raised $360 million for the renovation. The main part of the renovation will take place in the 2023/2024 season during which the Philharmonic will have to be relocated.
The auditorium opened in 1962. It was originally named Philharmonic Hall and was renamed Avery Fisher Hall in honour of philanthropist Avery Fisher, who donated $10.5 million to the orchestra in 1973. It was recently renamed Geffen Hall after producer David Geffen donated $100 million toward renovating the hall.
