Lincoln Center plans massive transformation of its Western Edge
- Jake Nicholas
- May 27, 2025
- 2 min read
Lincoln Center is set to reimagine its western boundary with a bold redevelopment of Damrosch Park, aiming to better connect the cultural campus with the surrounding Upper West Side. The multi-year transformation, launching in 2026, will reshape the Amsterdam Avenue edge into a vibrant, accessible public space designed for performance, greenery, and year-round community engagement.
The project is spearheaded by the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Lincoln Center West Initiative, with design led by acclaimed architecture firm Weiss/Manfredi and landscape design by Hood Design Studio. Moody Nolan serves as architect of record.
At the center of the plan is a new open-air theater designed to host free public performances—particularly during the summer months. This amphitheater will replace existing structures, including the Guggenheim Bandshell and the site’s long concrete wall, with terraced seating beneath a generous pergola. The design prioritizes street-level visibility and accessibility, creating stronger ties between Lincoln Center and Amsterdam Avenue.
Surrounding the theater, the park will be reimagined with winding walking paths, shaded seating, native plantings, and a tranquil water feature—turning the space into a welcoming retreat for both everyday visitors and event-goers. The goal is to support Lincoln Center’s cultural programming while enhancing the park’s value as a neighborhood green space.
Further enhancements are planned for the northwest corner of the campus at West 65th Street and Amsterdam Avenue. That area will receive stepped seating and a new wall treatment featuring mirrored architectural panels, reflecting the movement and energy of the street into the campus environment.
The redesign follows an intensive two-year public engagement process involving thousands of New Yorkers. The result is a community-supported vision focused on access, openness, and inclusive cultural experiences.
Construction is expected to conclude by May 2028. While Damrosch Park will see temporary closures, Lincoln Center intends to limit disruptions to no more than two summer seasons.
