New York City Center and its neighborhood
New York City Center, with its unique neo-Moorish
facade, was built in 1923 as a meeting hall for the members of the Ancient
Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. After it had reverted to City
ownership, the building was saved from destruction by Mayor Fiorello
LaGuardia and City Council President Newbold Morris, who created Manhattan's
first performing arts center: New York’s home for the best of
theater, music, and dance. Officially opening its doors in December
1943, City Center quickly became a cultural haven for New Yorkers: an
affordable – and fun – complement to the Broadway theater
and the cultural life of New York City.
The neighborhood surrounding New York City Center is
vital and exciting, with famous museums, concert halls, Broadway theaters,
5th Avenue shopping, and a fabulous restaurant district with its wonderful
cuisine to help you top off a special event for your group!
