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Feb 2 2010

Fact Sheet: Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts

DESCRIPTION: Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts is a performing arts destination in the heart of Philadelphia and the centerpiece of the city’s Avenue of the Arts. The Kimmel Center consists of two freestanding performance halls enclosed beneath a spectacular 150-foot vaulted glass ceiling or, in the words of architect Rafael Viñoly, “two jewels inside a glass box.”

Notable architectural facts:

  • 61,048 linear feet of structural steel tubing supporting the glass roof
  • 1,400 tons of steel supporting the glass end walls
  • 156,677 square feet (3.6 acres) of glass glazing

LOCATION: Broad & Spruce Streets, Philadelphia, PA

OPENED: December 16, 2001

BUILDING COST: $265 million

RESIDENT COMPANIES: The Philadelphia Orchestra, Peter Nero and the Philly Pops®, Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia, Philadanco, American Theater Arts for Youth, Philadelphia Chamber Music Society, Opera Company of Philadelphia and Pennsylvania Ballet

VENUES:

  • Verizon Hall, a 2,500-seat, cello-shaped concert hall with state-of-the-art acoustics designed specifically for The Philadelphia Orchestra
  • Perelman Theater, a versatile 650-seat theater with a rotating stage to accommodate dance, chamber music and full-scale theatrical productions
  • Innovation Studio, an intimate “black box” theater space located on the lower mezzanine.

FEATURES:

  • Commonwealth Plaza, a public gathering place featuring a small stage where emerging local and regional artists offer free performances
  • Cadence Restaurant, upscale dining on the Kimmel Center’s second tier with a large outdoor terrace overlooking Broad Street. Restaurant hours vary according to Verizon Hall performance schedule. More information and reservations available by calling (215) 670-2388.
  • Dorrance H. Hamilton Garden, a roof-top garden available for any special occasion
  • Merck Arts Education Center, an interactive space for classes, Teen Summer Arts Camps and other special educational events
  • Rendell Room, a versatile classroom facility acoustically designed for choral rehearsals

ADDITIONAL FACILITIES: PECO Café; Annex and K Lounges; Applause Gift Shop; underground parking garage

BUILDING TOURS: Experienced guides conduct free themed tours, including Building & Theater Tours and Art & Architecture Tours, throughout the week. Visit kimmelcenter.org/free for more information.

HOURS OF OPERATION: Open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and later on performance evenings.

CONTACT: Tickets: (215) 893-1999; Administrative Offices: (215) 790-5800

WEB ADDRESS: kimmelcenter.org

The Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts (PIFA), inspired by the Kimmel Center, launches the city’s art and cultural scene onto the world stage with a month-long festival offering performances, exhibits and events for loyal fans and casual attendees. Based on the philosophy of collaboration, innovation and creativity, PIFA’s programs represent every arts discipline and include more than 100 partners. Offerings include newly commissioned works, classical performances and exhibits, unexpected partnerships featuring local and international artists and exciting explorations of traditional, non-traditional, new and emerging art forms. Influenced by the artistic energy of Paris 1911-1920, PIFA celebrates works from that era and new creations inspired by the brashly innovative spirit of the period. The festival was made possible by an extraordinary grant from Philadelphia philanthropist Leonore Annenberg, whose vision for a city-wide celebration of the arts shaped its philosophy and programming. PIFA takes place April 7-May 1, 2011.

For the most up to date information, contact PIFA at (215) 790-5800 or visit pifa.org.

Kimmel Center, Inc., a charitable, not-for-profit organization, provides a rich diversity of programming through its Kimmel Center Presents sponsored by Citi and Broadway Series of performances, as well as arts in education and community outreach. The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts and the Academy of Music together serve as home to eight Resident Company performing arts organizations, including The Philadelphia Orchestra, Opera Company of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Ballet, Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia, American Theater Arts for Youth, Philadanco, Philadelphia Chamber Music Society and Peter Nero and the Philly Pops®. Kimmel Center, Inc. owns, manages, supports and maintains The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, which includes Verizon Hall, Perelman Theater, Innovation Studio and the Merck Arts Education Center. Kimmel Center, Inc. also manages the Academy of Music, owned by The Philadelphia Orchestra Association.

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Tagged: Arts & Culture