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Skirball Center for the Performing Arts

A premier cultural center in Greenwich Village, this 860-seat theater owned by New York University provides a professional performance space for opera, music, dance, and theater.

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Skirball Center for the Performing Arts
nyuskirball.org, og_image_nyuskirball.org

What is the Skirball Center for the Performing Arts known for?

The Skirball Center, also known as NYU Skirball, is downtown Manhattan's premier cultural center, located in the heart of Greenwich Village. It serves as a venue for opera, music, dance, and theater, presenting challenging and provocative programming.

Where is the Skirball Center located?

The center is located at 566 LaGuardia Place in Manhattan, specifically on the south side of Washington Square in the heart of Greenwich Village.

What is the seating capacity of the theater?

The venue is described as having a capacity of either 850 or 860 seats.

Who designed the Skirball Center?

The building was designed by Kevin Roche, John Dinkeloo and Associates.

When did the Skirball Center open?

The center was completed and opened in October 2003, serving as NYU's first large-scale professional performance space on campus.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

The Jack H. Skirball Center for the Performing Arts, commonly known as NYU Skirball, is a prominent cultural hub located at 566 LaGuardia Place in Manhattan. Completed in October 2003, the venue was designed by the architectural firm Kevin Roche, John Dinkeloo and Associates. The project cost approximately $40 million to build, representing a significant investment in the arts. As New York University's first large-scale professional performance space on campus, the center serves as an educational and community building resource. The venue is named after the philanthropist Jack H. Skirball, who provided the funding for its creation. It is described as downtown Manhattan's premier cultural center, focusing on challenging and provocative programming. With a capacity of approximately 850 to 860 seats, the theather provides a modern space for a rotating schedule of events. The facility hosts a wide array of performances, including opera, music, dance, and theater, catering to both the university's students and the broader lower Manhattan community. Situated in the heart of Greenwich Village, the center is integrated into the university's campus environment, providing a professional stage for artistic expression and academic exploration.

Visitor tips

  • Check the official NYU Skirball website for the current schedule of opera, music, and dance performances.
  • Allow extra time to navigate the Greenwich Village neighborhood surrounding the venue.
  • Dress appropriately for the professional theater environment of the theater.

Nearby context

The Skirball Center is located on the south side of Washington Square, placing it in the heart of Greenwich Village, where it serves as a cultural anchor for the university's campus.

Sources

Evidence and links