Lincoln Center Offers Behind-the-Scenes Tour of David Geffen Hall

During a behind-the-scenes tour of Lincoln Center, visitors are led through David Geffen Hall, where the New York Philharmonic performs. The tour includes access to areas typically closed to the public.

The hall, which opened in 1962, initially had 2,800 seats in a space designed for 2,200, leading to significant acoustic issues. A major renovation between 2020 and 2022 addressed these problems.

The renovation involved removing 500 seats and removing the proscenium arch, allowing the audience to sit around the stage. The walls now feature undulating wood panels that reflect sound, improving acoustics.

Gerri Brioso, the tour guide, noted that the changes allowed musicians to finally hear themselves perform. She described the transformation as a 'gut job,' with only the ceiling remaining unchanged.

The tour also includes a backstage visit, where visitors can stand in the spot where many musicians have waited for their Philharmonic debut. The experience offers a different perspective of the hall, which feels both larger and more intimate from this vantage point.

The Lincoln Center, spanning 16 acres on the Upper West Side, is home to multiple performing arts institutions, including the New York City Ballet, the Metropolitan Opera, and Juilliard.