Photo by Iwan Baan
Set to open its doors in September 2023, the Perelman Performing Arts Center (PAC NYC) at 251 Fulton Street is a trailblazing architectural wonder 20 years in the making, a cultural keystone that will bring Downtown Manhattan closure. Today Mike Bloomberg, Chair of PAC’s board of directors, joined Executive Director Khady Kamara and Artistic Director Bill Rauch, speaking about the span of inaugural programs.
PAC NYC’s John E. Zuccotti Theatre, one of three flexible performance spaces, that can accommodate seating up to 450 people. Photo courtesy PAC NYC.
PAC NYC, designed by the Brooklyn-based firm REX, in collaboration with theatre designer Charcoalblue and executive architect Davis Brody Bond, will include three flexible theatres that seat from 90-950 people, offering 60+ stage audience configurations (two-46 ton, and two-23 ton moving walls, moving columns, seats, stages), and multiple theatre proportions.
PAC interior view. Photo by Iwan Baan.
The facade is designed with marble from Portugal encased in glass, that will allow sunlight to come through. At night, PAC NYC will glow.
PAC NYC will feature a Marcus Samuelsson restaurant, designed by the Rockwell Group. Photo courtesy Rockwell Group.
Its lobby will have a Marcus Samuelsson restaurant; both are designed by the Rockwell Group.
The inaugural year will feature commissions, world premieres, co-productions, and collaborative work across theater, dance, music, opera, film and more. The vision for PAC NYC began when then Mayor Mike Bloomberg and his team worked to ensure the plan for rebuilding the World Trade Center site included a performing arts center.
Mike Bloomberg speaks at PAC NYC press conference. Photo courtesy PAC NYC.
Bloomberg said, “The opening of Perelman Performing Arts Center is going to add light and hope to the World Trade Center site in a manner that respects its role as a place for reflection. PAC NYC’s impact will extend far beyond downtown, as we know the impact of the power of the arts – bringing energy and excitement to bolster neighborhoods, spur investment and build a stronger city. I congratulate Khady Kamara, Bill Rauch, and their entire team for developing such a meaningful, multifaceted artistic program to welcome everyone in this city and beyond. There will be something for everyone at PAC NYC.”
Khady Kamara, Executive Director at PAC NYC, speaks at press conference. Photo courtesy PAC NYC.
Khady Kamara said, “We believe the arts can inspire and unite us, and we are honored to fulfill this important role as the cultural cornerstone of the World Trade Center site. We will celebrate the diversity and humanity of all five boroughs of New York through ambitious and accessible programming, including free lobby performances on our Clare and Vartan Gregorian Stage, and in everything we do.”
Bill Rauch, Khady Kamara, and Mike Bloomberg in the lobby of PAC NYC. Photo courtesy PAC NYC.
“We have invited some of the most compelling talents in theater, opera, music, and dance to work with us and with each other, to create and present new works that bring PAC NYC to life, here in the world capital of performing arts,” said Bill Rauch. “Our program, which celebrates and brings together an array of artistic disciplines, will anchor a robust and diverse inaugural season that will inspire, entertain, and engage all audiences.”
The inaugural year programming will feature commissions, world premieres, partnerships, festivals and co-productions. The artistic programs will range from World Premieres of Laurence Fishburne’s one man tour-de-force play Like They Do in The Movies, to a fabulous reimagining of CATS set in the competitions of New York City’s Ballroom culture, to new multi-disciplinary work Watch Night from the acclaimed artistic team of Tony Award winner Bill T. Jones, poet Marc Bamuthi Joseph, composer Tamar-kali, and dramaturg Lauren Whitehead. PAC NYC has also partnered with Creative Artist Agency (CAA) to present conversations with renowned celebrities such as Kerry Washington and will host the 2023 Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz International Piano Competition, the most prestigious competition of its kind.
Citi and members ticket presale begins June 20. General public sales begins June 23. For more information, visit pacnyc.org.