A REVITALIZED DELACORTE THEATER
REOPENING AUGUST 2025!
The Delacorte Theater in Central Park has provided millions of New Yorkers and visitors access to extraordinary theater—for free—for over 60 years at Free Shakespeare in the Park. Now, after an 18-month renovation, the theater will reopen this summer with a celebratory, star-studded production of TWELFTH NIGHT. We can't wait to share a more welcoming, accessible, and sustainable Delacorte with you.
Stay updated on the latest renovation news, activity planned for summer 2025!
RETURNING BOLDER AND BRIGHTER!
The Delacorte Theater is reopening this summer after its first major renovation in decades. The ambitious project has been made possible by FOREVER PUBLIC, a $175 million fundraising campaign.
You can help ensure the future of The Delacorte Theater by making a donation or naming a seat.
THE LATEST.
MARCH 2025
With spring just beginning, there's finally a little green coming back to The Delacorte; by way of new green theater seats. Started in late February, installation of all 1,800 individual seats will continue into April (below).
On the ground, concrete has been poured for the audience ramps on either side of the seating (below), and foundations for light trusses, backstage stairs and ramps.
Concrete is also being poured around the exterior, with additional sections framed out ready for future pours (below, left). The concrete will provide a level surface for new bluestone pavers that will make up the walkways around the theater.
To help with the assembling of the canopy roofing, workers have painted a guideline on the concrete underneath. Given the curve of the building, the guide will ensure accuracy as the canopy components are added above (right).
Inside, work has progressed rapidly. All the interior walls now have drywall and rooms are being primed and painted. Doors and light fixtures are also being installed throughout the interior (below).
Photos from Chris Kam, Shelly Vance, and Jana Zschoche.
The Delacorte project is publicly and privately funded with $42 million contributed by the New York City Mayor, City Council, and Manhattan Borough President, as well as $1 million from New York Assembly Member O’Donnell. The Public also wishes to acknowledge State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal and NYC Parks who have contributed funding to the Central Park Conservancy’s Delacorte restroom renovation project. The Public is enormously grateful to those who have supported this project, including its generous Board of Trustees and donors.
The Public Theater, in partnership with the Central Park Conservancy, NYC Parks, and the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, is proud to lead this historic revitalization. This work will ensure The Delacorte remains part of this great city for future generations.
THE REVITALIZATION.
DRAMATIC IMPROVEMENTS
Built in 1962, the theater has not undergone meaningful capital upgrades since 1999. The plan — a major investment in outdoor cultural space as part of New York’s economic recovery — will dramatically improve the home of Free Shakespeare in the Park.This design comprehensively addresses the theater’s outstanding code and safety needs, makes core improvements to infrastructure and backstage efficiency, and makes meaningful upgrades to support its theatrical program. The design is also contextual and maintains The Delacorte’s current form, footprint, and views within the park while protecting the sanctity of the theater in the park experience.
We are thrilled to work with our longtime partner once again, Ennead Architects. Ennead oversaw the revitalization of the facade and public spaces at our flagship location on Lafayette Street in 2012 and the recent renovation of the Rehearsal Annex. Ennead has led many other marquee cultural revitalization projects in New York, including the Brooklyn Museum entry pavilion and plaza, Jazz at Lincoln Center, Symphony Space, Zankel Hall at Carnegie Hall, and the Rose Center for Earth and Space at the American Museum of Natural History. This continued relationship is based on shared commitments to creating spaces that center radical welcome and equity.
WHAT WE PLAN TO DO
The key proposed design includes:
- Ramps for audiences and more accessible seating
- Accessible box office and concessions booths
- Modified stage and work areas for artists, company members, and staff
- Improved building and wayfinding signage
- A stunning façade built using reclaimed redwood from decommissioned water tanks across New York City
- Water protection and drainage systems to reduce flooding and improve water mitigation
- Newly designed lighting towers improving lighting for the stage and performances
A HOME FOR FREE THEATER
With over six decades of operation, including the recent staging of the widely-acclaimed performances of Merry Wives, Much Ado About Nothing, Public Works' Hercules, Twelfth Night, and Public Works' As You Like It, and more than five million tickets distributed, Free Shakespeare in the Park is one of New York City’s most iconic cultural experiences.
Conceived by founder Joseph Papp as a way to make great theater accessible to all, The Delacorte Theater officially opened in Central Park on June 18, 1962, with The Merchant of Venice, directed by Papp and Gladys Vaughan and featuring George C. Scott as Shylock. The Merchant of Venice was followed that summer by a production of The Tempest, directed by Gerald Freedman and featuring Paul Stevens as Prospero and James Earl Jones as Caliban. The first Delacorte summer season concluded with King Lear, directed by Papp and Vaughan and featuring Frank Silvera as Lear. Since then more than 150 productions have been presented for free at The Delacorte Theater in Central Park.
MEDIA.
A Revitalized Delacorte Theater
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West Side Rag
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