Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts is one of the most influential cultural centres in the world. Located in the heart of Manhattan, this gigantic complex covers almost 6 hectares and welcomes no fewer than 5 million spectators every year. A veritable temple to the performing arts in New York, it is home to 12 internationally renowned artistic companies that thrill the city day after day.
This exceptional concentration of prestigious institutions makes Lincoln Center a must-see for all art lovers. Whether you’re a fan of opera, ballet, classical music or theatre, you’re bound to find a show to enchant you in this New York cultural sanctuary.
The cultural epicentre of Manhattan
History and remarkable architecture
The history of Lincoln Center began in 1962, as part of the vast Lincoln Square urban renewal project. This ambitious project, led by urban planner Robert Moses, aimed to completely transform this area of Manhattan. It was thanks to the vision and considerable financial support of philanthropist John Davison Rockefeller III that this architectural dream came to fruition.
The design of this monumental complex involved a number of renowned architects, including Gordon Bunshaft, Philip Johnson, Pietro Belluschi, Max Abramovitz and Wallace Harrison. Their collaboration gave rise to a coherent yet diverse architectural ensemble that has become emblematic of New York’s urban landscape. Over the years, some buildings have changed name, such as David Geffen Hall (formerly Avery Fisher Hall) and the David H. Koch Theater (formerly New York State Theater).
The buildings that make up the complex
Lincoln Center is made up of 10 main buildings, each housing one or more major cultural institutions. The three most imposing buildings are undoubtedly the David H. Koch Theater, David Geffen Hall and the Metropolitan Opera House, an architectural gem recognisable by its façade of majestic arches.
Other notable structures includeAlice Tully Hall, the Vivian Beaumont Theater, the Mitzi E. Newhouse Theater, the Juilliard School, the Walter Reade Theater and the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts. Jazz at Lincoln Center is not located in the main complex, but a few streets away, in the Time Warner Center on Columbus Circle.
The architectural beauty of Lincoln Center takes on an even more striking dimension when night falls. When the illuminations come on, the complex is transformed into a breathtaking visual spectacle, dominated by the reflections of the facades on the ponds in the central plaza. A magical moment not to be missed on your visit.
Resident artistic companies
Lincoln Center is home to twelve of the world’s most prestigious artistic companies. TheNewYork Philharmonic, founded in 1842, is one of the oldest and most internationally respected orchestras. The New York City Ballet, founded by legendary choreographer George Balanchine, represents excellence in classical and contemporary dance.
The Metropolitan Opera(Met) is undoubtedly the most famous institution in the complex. This world-renowned opera house stages sumptuous productions and attracts the world’s greatest operatic talents. The Juilliard School deserves special mention for its fundamental role in training future stars of the performing arts.
Other resident companies include the New York City Opera, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts (which organizes programming under the name Lincoln Center Presents), Lincoln Center Theater, Jazz at Lincoln Center, Film at Lincoln Center, Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts and the School of American Ballet.
An exceptional cultural programme
Artistic diversity reigns supreme at Lincoln Center. Each year, almost 500 different shows and events are programmed in the 19 halls of the complex. Symphonic concerts, grandiose operas, classical and contemporary ballets, plays, recitals, dance shows… The range of events on offer is dizzying, covering all areas of the performing arts.
This permanent cultural effervescence requires a considerable number of staff: around 8,000 artists and employees work at Lincoln Center. The annual operating budget is almost half a billion dollars, reflecting the scale and prestige of this institution.
To consult the full programme and book your tickets, visit the interactive calendar on the official Lincoln Center website. You can filter events according to your dates of stay and artistic preferences. The length of shows varies considerably from one production to another, so be sure to check this information when you make your reservation so that you can plan your day accordingly.
Visiting Lincoln Center
While seeing a show is the most immersive way to discover Lincoln Center, it’s also possible to visit this iconic venue without necessarily buying a ticket for a performance. Guided tours are organised during the week, giving you access to certain areas normally reserved for spectators.
These tours last around 75 minutes and are led by enthusiastic guides who will tell you all about the fascinating history of the complex and the many anecdotes about its famous residents. There is a minimum group size of 8, but it is possible to book a private tour if you are bringing your own group. Reservations can be made directly on the official Lincoln Center website.
Getting to Lincoln Center is easy thanks to New York’s underground network. Take line 1 to 66th Street – Lincoln Center, or lines A, B, C and D to 59th Street – Columbus Circle. Both stops will put you just a few minutes’ walk from the main entrance to the complex.
Exploring the Lincoln Center area
Lincoln Center is located in the Upper West Side, a desirable residential area nestled between Central Park and theHudson River. This elegant neighbourhood, with its characterful buildings and tree-lined streets, is well worth a stroll before or after your visit to the cultural complex.
A short walk up Columbus Avenue will take you to the American Museum of Natural History, a fascinating museum world-famous for its fossil collections and impressive dinosaur reconstructions. Not far away is the New York Historical Society Museum, dedicated entirely to the history and culture of the city.
If you head further north, be sure to make a diversion to the prestigious Columbia University, one of the world’s most renowned universities, whose magnificent campus is well worth a visit. In the same area, Saint John The Divine Cathedral stands out as the largest cathedral in the world, an impressive monument that contrasts with the surrounding skyscrapers.
South of Lincoln Center is Columbus Circle, a large roundabout at the south-west corner of Central Park. It is here that you will find Jazz at Lincoln Center, in the Time Warner Center complex, as well as the Museum of Arts and Design, dedicated to contemporary crafts and innovative design.
Practical tips for your visit
To make the most of your visit to Lincoln Center, a few practical tips are in order. If you want to admire the architecture without seeing a show, the best time is in the late afternoon, when the natural light enhances the façades, and in the early evening to take advantage of the illuminations.
Professional tip: Lincoln Center’s Central Plaza is a free public space. So you can sit by the famous fountains and enjoy the unique atmosphere without paying a penny. On summer evenings, free outdoor shows are sometimes held here.
For photographers, the best shots are taken from the main esplanade, with the arches of the Metropolitan Opera House lit up in the background. A particularly popular angle is near the central fountain, with the lens pointing towards the Lincoln Center Theater.
If you want to combine your visit with other attractions, plan a full day to explore both Lincoln Center and theAmerican Museum of Natural History. These two major sites are less than 15 minutes’ walk from each other and perfectly represent the cultural richness of theUpper West Side.
A cultural gem not to be missed
Lincoln Center embodies the very essence of New York: excess, excellence and cultural diversity. Whether you’re an aficionado of the classical arts or simply curious to discover one of the city’s most iconic venues, this complex will win you over with its unique atmosphere and exceptional cultural offering.
As well as the shows and the architecture, Lincoln Center offers an immersive experience. Take the time to stroll through its public spaces, watch the incessant ballet of hurried New Yorkers and amazed tourists, and soak up the unique energy for which the city is famous.
Your visit to Lincoln Center will undoubtedly be one of the highlights of your stay in New York. Whether you choose to take in a spectacular show or simply admire its iconic buildings, you’ll leave with unforgettable memories of this world cultural mecca.
