New York City Center

Did the shimmering dome of New York City Center ever catch your eye? Originally called Mecca Temple, this architectural marvel has quite the story. New York City Center opened its doors in 1943. But its history begins much earlier. Built between 1922 and 1924, it served as the headquarters for the Shriners. Imagine these streets filled with fez-wearing Masons, their laughter and cigar smoke swirling around the Moorish Revival architecture. The Great Depression hit the Shriners hard, forcing them to downsize and eventually leave the building by 1940. New York City Center went through a period of uncertainty, even briefly becoming the Cosmopolitan Opera House. Then, Mayor Fiorello La Guardia stepped in, determined to transform this grand space into “the people’s theater”. He envisioned a cultural hub, offering affordable entertainment to all New Yorkers. And so, the City Center of Music and Drama was born. On December 11, 1943, New York City Center was reborn. The New York Philharmonic played, and the city celebrated La Guardia’s birthday. Over the years, New York City Center became a stage for renowned performers like Helen Hayes and Orson Welles. It housed the New York City Opera and the New York City Ballet, before they moved to Lincoln Center. New York City Center has seen its share of drama, both onstage and off. Financial woes and leadership changes were a constant backdrop. The building even faced potential demolition at one point. But New York City Center persevered. It has been remodeled, renovated, and reimagined. Today, it remains a vibrant hub for dance, theater, and music. From the grand main auditorium with its unique dome, to the intimate Stage I and Stage II downstairs, New York City Center continues to captivate audiences. The annual Fall for Dance Festival and the Tony-honored Encores! series ensure that the spirit of “the people’s theater” lives on.