Lehman Center For The Performing Arts Marks 40th Season with $15.4 Million Renovation

Lehman Center for the Performing Arts celebrates the start of its 40th season in September with a star-studded lineup—and brand-new theater seating, a revamped lobby, and elevators to the balcony, all part of a just completed $15.4 million renovation.

The major refurbishment project, which began in November 2017 and took less than two years to complete, includes 5,400 square feet of enlarged space for Lehman Center, along with a refigured main entrance with new ramps (making the venue now entirely ADA compliant), a redesigned box office, and new restrooms.

“During this milestone year, Lehman Center proudly welcomes audiences and community members to the top entertainment destination in the Bronx, which is now better than ever,” said Eva Bornstein, Executive Director of Lehman Center for the Performing Arts. “The improvements that have been made will help ensure the comfort and convenience of all who attend our world-class performances and events.”

The first phase of the renovation focused on upgrading the lobby and took place last fall. The more recently completed work occurred in the Concert Hall, where new seating and carpeted aisles were installed and the floors entirely refinished, and in the administrative offices.

Funding for the project is being provided by the Office of the Governor, New York State Legislature, Bronx delegation of the New York City Council and the Office of the Bronx Borough President. Additional funding is being raised with a seat naming initiative.

With 2,278 seats, Lehman Center for the Performing Arts is the largest entertainment venue in the Bronx. It opened its doors in 1980 with a mission to provide borough residents and others with access to affordable, culturally diverse performances. Operating as a separately-incorporated non-profit organization, Lehman Center serves over 200,000 audience members annually during its September through June season, and also hosts numerous area high school graduations and community events. Last year, Goya Foods, Inc. became the chief sponsor of the Center’s performance season. Lehman Center for the Performing Arts, Inc. is supported, in part, with public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the New York City Council. The 2019-2020 Season is also made possible through the sponsorships by The New York State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Department, the New York State Council on the Arts, Con Edison, The Hyde and Watson Foundation, Havana Café, and the Friends of Lehman Center.

Highlights of the upcoming star-studded 2019-2020 season are: The Eddie Palmieri Afro Caribbean Orchestra & The Michel Camilo Trio, Yolandita Monge, José “El Canario” Alberto with Don & Peter Perignon, La Sonora Ponceña, Yolanda Rivera, Celia Cruz – The Musical, Willie Colon & Orchestra, The Musical Ain’t Misbehavin’, Cirque Mei from China, The Nutcracker, Forever Freestyle 14, Stephanie Mills & Howard Hewitt, and La India.

VISIT www.LehmanCenter.org FOR COMPLETE 40th ANNIVERSARY 2019-2020 SEASON SCHEDULE AND MORE INFORMATION.