Lincoln Center, in its entirety, is the result of a Robert Moses project announced in 1956. The neighbourhood housing the people who provided inspiration to the creators of the musical West Side Story was razed, the complex built, time passed and recently the plaza was ‘reopened’ following its multi-year, $1.3 billion renovation, which began in 2006. That’s a lot of money for a renovation.
Some of it went to remaking the Revson Fountain. I’ve heard around $10,000,000, from insiders with whom I used to work while a stagehand at the Met Opera House, when I was a student, then lighting director for the Bolshoi Ballet (Moscow) and the Peking Opera (Beijing).
I’m proud of having been part of the history of Lincoln Center, and happy to see it restored and crowded with concert goers and tourists.
The fountain is spectacular --- a must-see! Show times are listed to the right.
And there is outdoor summer dancing, with a full New York-sized orchestra at the Midsummer Night Swing.
The patterned plaza pavement was designed by Philip Johnson, who was inspired by the Campodiglio in Rome. The renovated fountain closely resembles its former incarnation but actually looks finer and more delicate, because the ‘collar’ surrounding the pool was changed to become a floating seating ring. What's beneath the seating ring?
PSI—who built the seating ring—also built Cloud Gate in Chicago, aka 'The Bean', by sculptor Anish Kapoor.
WET Design built the waterworks spectacle.
10 Lincoln Center Plaza
US$
free
Find your way with 308 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!
"Central Park Benches" in NYC (apart from their comfort) are known for their commemorative plaques. One of them is dedicated by the citizens of Liverpool...
by
You can find "BANKSY in New York" in the Upper West Side. 'Boy With a Hammer' is the only one of his pieces that hasn't been 'repurposed'...
by
"Silvana" is a large cafe, boutique, shawarma and falafel bar in NYC that also offers live music performances on their downstairs stage. Great acts!
by
The menu is simple: hamburgers, French fries & toppings. No over-the-top ingredients, no superfluous adjectives, and high-value food at rock-bottom prices.
by
"Elizabeth Street Garden" New York: formerly the site of a large, important school house, it was reclaimed in the '90s and turned into a sculpture garden.
by
One block away from a 21st century LinkNYC WiFi tower on Broadway sits one of three West End Avenue working telephone 'booths', the last in NYC...
by
After, "Anthony & Son" Panini Shoppe's Italian-style super-sandwiches, no regular New York sandwich will ever taste as good again...
by
"Dutch Kills" in New York isn't hiding it's one of the best bars in the city, but it isn't publicizing the fact, either. No password to enter, however!
by
"Bund on Broadway" is one of the most popular restaurants on Astoria's restaurant row in New York. I always go straight fo the famous pork soup dumplings.
by
The "Conference House" in New York is a perfect place to escape modern life if you're interested in what life was like in the 1600s...
by
"Vite Vinosteria" in New York is the Italian restaurant where, ever since I moved to Astoria, I've celebreated nearly every birthday & anniversary...
by
308 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 308 Insider Tips