The Hopeful Traveler: The Transformation of Lincoln Center

The new and first ever Lincoln Center sign on Columbus Ave.

The re-designed fountain.

The central plaza and fountain fronts the Metropolitan Opera House.
(all photos: TheHopefulTraveler)

Back when I visited in 2008 and 2009 to attend performances of the revival of 'South Pacific' at the Vivian Beaumont Theater, much of Lincoln Center's plaza was covered in plywood walls funneling patrons to the various venues. Now visitors can finally see some of the changes in a five-year multimillion-dollar transformation that began in 2006.

With most of the plaza construction now cleared, I'm reminded that the plaza is a great place to relax and enjoy a cool drink in summer and people watch before or after a performance. The place seems always busy and more so if multiple performances are taking place simultaneously at the various venues. Still there always seems to be a spare spot to take a break.

Above & below: The Illumination Lawn. Beneath is the restaurant Lincoln.

Some of the changes are drastic while others simply gives the 16-acre center a modern look. Click HERE to learn more about the transformation of Lincoln Center. For an in-depth look of the center, take one of the daily guided tours offered between 10:30am to 4:30pm. Space is limited and tours begin only at certain times within those hours. Reservations are recommended (212-875-5350). Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and $8 for children (6-12).

Lincoln Center is home to 12 resident organizations which include the Metropolitan Opera, New York Philharmonic and the Juilliard School. Just as many venues occupy the campus of which the Metropolitan Opera House, Vivian Beaumont Theater, Avery Fisher Hall, Alice Tully Hall and David H. Koch Theater are the largest.

One of the most popular attractions of the center and featured in countless films such as "Moonstruck" and "Ghostbusters" is the Revson Fountain in the Josie Robertson Plaza. The redesigned fountain by WET, also designers of the Bellagio resort fountains, features 353 nozzles that can spray water 40 feet into the air and at full capacity runs just over 16,500 gallons per minute.

The center also features several locations for dining or to pick up a snack as well a shops selling venue merchandise. Visit new.lincolncenter.org for additional information.