Jump to content

Lied Center for Performing Arts

Coordinates: 40°48′59″N 96°42′16″W / 40.816313°N 96.704563°W / 40.816313; -96.704563
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Lied Center for Performing Arts
Map
Address301 N 12th Street
LocationLincoln, Nebraska, U. S.
OwnerUniversity of Nebraska–Lincoln
TypePerforming arts center
CapacityMain stage: 2,258
Carson Theater: 250
Construction
Broke groundJanuary 6, 1986
OpenedMarch 17, 1990; 35 years ago (1990-03-17)
ArchitectHDR, Inc.
Paul S. Veneklasen[1]
Website
www.liedcenter.org

The Lied Center for Performing Arts (/ld/ LEED;[2] frequently shortened to Lied Center or the Lied) is a multi-venue performing arts facility on the campus of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln in Lincoln, Nebraska. Opened in 1990, the main stage has a seating capacity of 2,258 and is primarily used for orchestra, theatre, and speaking events.

History

[edit]
The Lied Center in 2015

Fundraising for a dedicated performing arts facility on campus at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln began in the early 1980s under the leadership of University of Nebraska Foundation president Woody Varner.[3] Seventy-one donors contributed to the project, which also received public funding, and Varner's fundraising goal was met in 1986. Ground was broken on January 6, 1986, with demolition of previous properties on site starting later that month.[4][5] Omaha-based HDR, Inc. was selected as the primary architecture firm for the project and Paul Veneklasen was used as an acoustics consultant.[1]

Construction began on October 13, 1986 on the corner of 12th and Q Streets in downtown Lincoln, on the southwest corner of NU's City Campus. In July 1989, the university began moving offices into the building.[6] The facility was completed in November 1989 and made its public debut that same month.[7] Opera Omaha performed Madama Butterfly to open the facility on March 17, 1990.[3] The center was dedicated as the Lied Center for Performing Arts in memory of Ernst and Ida Lied, whose foundation made a significant contribution to the project. The Lied Center of Kansas, opened in 1993 at the University of Kansas, is also named for the couple.

A $2.5 million commons area was completed in October 2012.[8]

The Lied Center saw a significant attendance decline following the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, with crowds often at twenty-five percent of capacity.[9] The facility was largely self-sustaining prior to the pandemic, receiving approximately five percent of its revenue from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.[9]

In 2021, NU began a series of expansions and renovations to the Lied Center designed to expand lobby space and reduce wait times for patrons entering the facility.[10] The $25.5-million project was mostly privately funded. At the same time, the university approved construction of a $75-million building to replace the Westbrook Music Building as the home of the Glenn Korff School of Music.[11]

Layout

[edit]

The Lied Center contains three performance spaces: the Lied Center Main Stage, which seats 2,258 and is the facility's primary performance area; the Carson Theater, a black box theater named after Johnny Carson used for smaller productions; and the Lied Commons, an event space for cultural programs, education events, and private receptions. Kimball Recital Hall, located just north of the Lied Center, is also operated by the Lied Center and can seat 850 spectators.

While most performing arts venues are designed with neutral colors, the main theater at the Lied Center uses terracotta "walls" (actually acoustic mirrors) and red seats; these warmer colors "match the spirit of the people of Nebraska."[1] The main theater has dressing rooms at stage level, a rarity, allowing performers to quickly make their way on stage.[1]

Events

[edit]

Since its opening in 1990, the Lied Center has served as one of the primary entertainment venues in Lincoln. Among the bands, speakers, and comedians who have performed at the facility are The Moody Blues, B.B. King, Willie Nelson, "Weird Al" Yankovic, Jerry Seinfeld, Mannheim Steamroller, Bill Cosby, Foreigner, and Crosby, Stills & Nash.[12]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d Sabrina Broderick (October 17, 2017). "Lied Center's rich history, warm, thoughtful design stand test of time". The Daily Nebraskan. Retrieved November 9, 2022.
  2. ^ "Lied Center for Performing Arts 2020-2021 Season". Lied Center for Performing Arts. Retrieved June 23, 2024.
  3. ^ a b "HISTORY". Lied Center for Performing Arts. Retrieved November 8, 2022.
  4. ^ "Groundbreaking held for Lied Center". Beatrice Daily Sun. January 7, 1986. p. 7. Retrieved May 6, 2025.
  5. ^ "Making way for Lied Center". Lincoln Journal Star. January 28, 1986. p. 4. Retrieved May 6, 2025.
  6. ^ "Offices being moved into new Lied Center". Lincoln Journal Star. July 31, 1989. p. 8. Retrieved May 6, 2025.
  7. ^ "Lied impressed many in its public debut". Lincoln Journal Star. November 17, 1989. p. 13. Retrieved May 6, 2025.
  8. ^ "Lied Center to show off new commons area". Lincoln Journal Star. October 18, 2012. p. D2. Retrieved May 7, 2025.
  9. ^ a b William Padmore (February 23, 2021). "No Relief? Fortenberry Fears Lied Center Could Miss Out on COVID Funding". Nebraska Public Media. Retrieved November 9, 2022.
  10. ^ Arianna Martinez (December 6, 2021). "Big changes coming to Downtown Lincoln". KLKN. Retrieved November 9, 2022.
  11. ^ Chris Dunker (November 25, 2021). "Lied Center planning a $25 million expansion; UNL eyeing new music building". Lincoln Journal Star. Retrieved November 9, 2022.
  12. ^ "Lied Center for Performing Arts, University of Nebraska-Lincoln Concert History". Concert Archives. Retrieved November 9, 2022.

40°48′59″N 96°42′16″W / 40.816313°N 96.704563°W / 40.816313; -96.704563