Development of Lincoln Center

On May 14, 1959, President Dwight D. Eisenhower broke ground for the site of Lincoln Center and called it the start of "a great cultural adventure." This moment in history marked the beginning of a 50-year celebration of the arts, including both performances as well as arts education. In this sense, the concept for the complex was seen as revolutionary for its time.

The groundbreaking ceremony on the site of what was to become Lincoln Center.

Lincoln Center, 1966.

Over time, 12 organizations came to inhabit the area and currently make use of 22 performance venues. These organizations include:

• Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts
• New York Philharmonic
• The Juilliard School
• The Metropolitan Opera
• New York City Ballet
• New York City Opera
• New York Public Library for the Performing Arts
  
• The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center
• The Film Society of Lincoln Center
• Lincoln Center Theater
• School of American Ballet
• Jazz at Lincoln Center