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 its famous museums, concert halls, Broadway theaters and 5th Avenue
shopping. The Museum of Modern Art, the American Folk Art Museum, Radio
City and Rockefeller Center — all are just steps away!
Kevin
McKenzie: Artistic Director
