David H Koch Theater Information
Given the high reviews earned by Koch Theater every month, it shouldn’t surprise anyone that the theater has a rich and prestigious history. The theater originated during the 1964-65 World’s Fair when New York State earned enough funds to request Philip Johnson and John Burgee to design what was called The New York State Theater. The theater was opened on April 23, 1964, and was the property of the state until the fair concluded, where ownership was transferred to New York City. The city used the theater to generate revenue by leasing it to Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, Inc., who then subleased it to City Center of Music and Drama, Inc. Today, the corporation CCMD manages the theater.
The David H. Koch Theater stands as one of New York City’s premier destinations for world-class ballet and dance. Located on the south side of Lincoln Center’s main plaza at Columbus Avenue and 63rd Street, this architectural wonder has captivated audiences since its opening in the mid-1960s. The theater’s ornate but modernist style features a gold latticed ceiling, faceted crystal lights, and seating for just over 2,500 guests across six tiers.
Moving away from the business side of the theater, it should be noted that it played host to several revivals of popular Broad musicals. This period was biggest in the 1960s during Richard Rodgers’ tenure as president of the Music Theater of Lincoln Center, who was an early tenant of the theater. These musicals included favorites such as The King and I, Show Boat, and South Pacific. Notably, many of these performances included some of the original stars, which gave the revivals extra weight and clout including when John Raitt joined the cast for the revived Carousel or when Ethel Merman signed on for the revival of Annie Get Your Gun.
For the next forty years, The New York State Theater continued serving the community with star-studded performances and incredible shows and events. The age of the theater started to show towards the early 2000s, which brings us to July 2008, when philanthropist David H. Koch pledged to provide $100 million over the following 10 years to renovate the theater and provide a maintenance and operations endowment. This pledge and Koch’s continued support during this time led to the theater being renamed the David H. Koch Theater on November 25 of that year at the New York City Ballet Winter gala.
The agreement set by this announcement is that the theater would retain the name for 50 years after which it could be renamed, with the Koch family retaining the right of first refusals for any renaming proposal. Because of the legacy of the New York State Theater, many attendees still refer to Koch Theater by its original name.
Built To Celebrate Movement
Created specifically for dance, the David H. Koch Theater’s design minimizes the distance between stage and audience, ensuring every seat can provide you with a clear and engaging view. The five ascending rings offer unique perspectives of the choreography and movement below. This thoughtful layout reflects the influence of George Balanchine, whose artistic vision shapes the finer points of the theater’s architecture and interior design.
Home to World-Class Performances
As the permanent home of the New York City Ballet, the theater also welcomes acclaimed companies such as the American Ballet Theatre, Paul Taylor Dance Company, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, and The Joyce Theater Foundation. This rotation of celebrated troupes makes the venue a year-round center for diverse and world-renowned performances.
Art, Architecture, and Atmosphere
The theater immerses visitors in art and design well beyond the stage. The Promenade, with its gold-leaf ceilings, sweeping windows overlooking Lincoln Center Plaza, and balcony access, offers an elegant setting for intermissions and gatherings. Works by Jasper Johns, Lee Bontecou, and Reuben Nakian also enhance the space, while Elie Nadelman’s sculptures in the Promenade aptly capture the grace and form of dance itself.
Excellence in Experience
Every detail of the David H. Koch Theater reflects a commitment to quality and inclusivity. Recent renovations have modernized the stage lighting, expanded the orchestra pit, and added advanced mechanical systems for flexibility in productions.
The theater also offers wheelchair-accessible seating, assisted listening devices, and knowledgeable staff to support all guests.
A Brief History of the David H. Koch Theater in New York City
The history of the David H. Koch Theater reflects the evolution of American cultural identity and New York City’s rise as the nation’s performing arts capital. Built as part of a grand civic dream, the theater symbolizes the enduring belief that art enriches public life. Its story intertwines with key movements in architecture, dance, and urban development, shaping the theater into the cultural landmark it is today.
Origins Rooted in Ambition
New York State funded the theater’s construction as its contribution to the 1964 to 1965 World’s Fair, underscoring the government’s commitment to supporting the arts. This investment reflected post-war optimism and the idea that culture was central to America’s progress. The design commission went to Philip Johnson, working with John Burgee, George Balanchine, and Walter Unruh to ensure the space would meet the unique requirements of dance.
Opening a New Era of Dance
The theater opened its doors on April 23, 1964, marking a major milestone in New York’s artistic history. It immediately became home to the New York City Ballet, fulfilling Balanchine and Lincoln Kirstein’s long-held dream of a permanent venue for their company.
During its early years, the theater hosted the Music Theater of Lincoln Center, led by Richard Rodgers, which presented acclaimed revivals of classic Broadway musicals such as The King and I, Carousel, and Show Boat. The New York City Opera also became a resident, sharing the stage for nearly five decades.
Growth, Legacy, and Artistic Excellence
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, the theater strengthened its reputation as the heart of American dance. Legendary performances, world premieres, and emotional farewells unfolded on its stage, inspiring generations of dancers and audiences alike.
Ownership eventually transitioned from New York State to the City of New York, which leased the venue to Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. This arrangement, still in place today, has ensured stability and continuity for the institutions it houses.
The David Koch Theater’s Transformation
By the early 2000s, the theater required significant updates. In 2008, philanthropist David H. Koch pledged $100 million for the building’s extensive renovations and long-term maintenance. The venue was officially renamed in his honor during the New York City Ballet Winter Gala that same year.
Renovations led by JCJ Architecture and Schuler Shook included new seating, reconfigured aisles, ADA-compliant restrooms, and modernized backstage systems. When the theater reopened in 2009, critics praised its balance of historic preservation and technical innovation, securing the David H. Koch Theater’s place as a world-class home for dance well into the future.
For more information on the David H. Koch Theater these additional pages may be useful to you:
David H Koch Theater Parking:
Read about parking options and rules at the David H Koch Theater.
Ticket Policies:
Read about the special ticket guarantee and refund policies when purchasing from tickets via this website.
David H Koch Theater Seating Chart:
View the David H. Koch Theater seating chart and read information on various seating areas.