Finishing touches are underway on the Perelman Performing Arts Center, a 138-foot-tall cubic structure in the 16-acre World Trade Center site in the Financial District. Designed by REX with Davis Brody Bond Architects as the executive architect and developed by The Perelman, the property will feature three performance spaces: the 450-seat John E. Zuccotti Theater, the 250-seat Mike Nichols Theater, and the 99-seat Doris Duke Foundation Theater. The halls can also be combined into a single 950-seat auditorium. The property is bound by Vesey Street to the north, Fulton Street to the south, Greenwich Street to the east, and Skidmore Owings & Merrill‘s One World Trade Center to the west.
Construction has progressed around the ground floor of the facility since our last update in May, when crews had recently finished installing the glass railings on the staircase to the corner entrance. Most of the dark-gray stone sidewalk tiles are now in place surrounding the building, and much of the construction fencing has been dismantled and replaced with smaller barricades. Some light fixtures, trees, and minor below-grade infrastructure work beneath Vesey Street remain to be completed, but should wrap up this summer.
Photo by Michael Young
Photo by Michael Young
Photo by Michael Young
Photo by Michael Young
Photo by Michael Young
The Perelman Performing Arts Center’s inaugural programming schedule has also been announced, led by executive director Khady Kamara and artistic leader Bill Rauch.
The first performance will be “Refuge: A Concert Series to Welcome The World,” which will run from September 19-23 and star Laurie Anderson, Angélique Kidjo, Mwenso and the Shakes, Forro in the Dark, The Klezmatics, Tanya Tagaq, Common, Arturo O’Farrill and The Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra, Martha Redbone, and the choirs of Trinity Wall Street. The shows will be available to the public with a pay-what-you-wish option.
Next will be “Watch Night” from November 3-19, featuring dance, opera, and slam poetry featuring the work of choreographer Bill T. Jones, poet Marc Bamuthi Joseph, and composer Tamar-kali. Closing out the calendar year is “Is It Thursday Yet?” by Jenn Freeman and Sonya Tayeh with music composed and performed by Holland Andrews. The program will run from December 8-23. Further programming can be found on the performing arts center’s website.
Photo by Michael Young
Photo by Michael Young
Photo by Michael Young
Photo by Michael Young
Photo by Michael Young
Photo by Michael Young
Some sidewalk work is still wrapping up around the corner of Fulton and Greenwich Streets and Greenwich and Vesey Streets.
Photo by Michael Young
Photo by Michael Young
Photo by Michael Young
Photo by Michael Young
Photo by Michael Young
Interior work appears to be moving along as well, with colorful ceiling lights now in place in the lobby.
Photo by Michael Young
Photo by Michael Young
Landscaping has also been added to the second-floor terrace on the northern elevation since our last update.
Photo by Michael Young
The center will also be known as PAC NYC (Performing Arts Center New York City) and is slated to open on September 15, 2023, as noted on the main website. Tickets for the inaugural season went on sale to members on June 20, and the general public can purchase tickets starting today.
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A welcomed addition to the World Financial Center..Thanks to Ronald Perelman.
It’s nice that they were able to add a cultural element to the site, but I think there should be a moment of silence, or some other recognition to the victims of 9/11 before the first concert begins.
So what makes you think that there won’t be a recognition?
We all lost our freedom after 9/11 when the government used the tragedy to monitor everything we now do.
It’s a bit ironic the rebuilt WTC is one of the best urban spaces in the world. A very bittersweet consolation.
Interesting take from a person who welcomes restrictions on gas heat, gas cooktops and the freedom to drive a car.
Nice that we agree on some things, including what a great urban space this site has become.
I encourage you to breathe all the pollution you can.
LOL… So government overreach is okay, so long as it’s something you favor. Okay Karen in Bushwick.
Chip and David—two of my favorite YIMBYS! Y’all play nice! To paraphrase Nelson Muntz—“Gotta breath something’!”
I’m glad that Ron Perlman continue to fund this project, even though he put several of his personal assets (2 E. Hampton homes) up for sale
Created more excitement I would like to have the opportunity, to experience the inside of this cube. Performances are sure to be happy and entertaining, so beautiful and mysterious like going into a cave: Thanks to Michael Young.
Super cool.
“The center will also be known as PAC NYC (Performing Arts Center New York City)”. Neither inspiring, nor catchy. Since Mr. Perlman donated the money, can we call it “The Perl”? Who’s with me on this?
Please can we see some interior shots next time. Still blown away by the astounding marble cladding.