Free Performances, Water Play, and Green Space? Lincoln Center’s Big Upgrade Has it All

Damrosch Park is getting a major makeover opening Lincoln Center to Manhattan's west side.
Damrosch Park is getting a major makeover opening Lincoln Center to Manhattan's west side.
5/20/25 - By Mommy Poppins News

Exciting news for NYC families: Lincoln Center is about to get a major upgrade—especially for neighbors and kids on the west side of the complex! A bold redesign is in the works for the Amsterdam Avenue side of its campus, and it’s all about making the arts and outdoor space more accessible, welcoming, and fun for everyone. If you’re looking for more places to play, relax, and catch incredible performances with your kids, this is a project to watch!

A complete reimagining of Damrosch Park is set to bring a huge lawn perfect for picnics, a playful water feature with mist and jets, shaded groves with seating, and a brand-new outdoor performance venue for music, dance, and theater. Read on for all the details, which were designed with lots of input from the community. While the new project is set for a 2028 debut, there are still plenty of things to do at Lincoln Center in the meantime, including an action-packed Summer for the City calendar.

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Lincoln Center’s Big Upgrade : Stage
Lincoln Center's new outdoor stage offers flexible seating for up to 2,000 and enhances the experience for guests and performers alike.

Highlights of the Lincoln Center Redevelopment

The brand-new performance venue is the heart of the reimagined Damrosch Park. It will include a permanent stage and open-air plaza that seats up to 2,000 guests—but it's not just for formal performances. This flexible space can host everything from concerts and theater to dance and family programming. When the stage is dark, the plaza morphs into a welcoming spot to hang out, relax, or play.

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Lincoln Center’s Big Upgrade: park
The reimagining of Damrosch Park offers greater accessibility to the performing arts complex, plus much-needed places to play, lounge, and relax.

The project also opens Lincoln Center to Amsterdam Avenue. Instead of the current barrier, guests will soon find a vibrant new park and performance space that connects directly to the street, creating an open and friendly entrance for everyone coming from the west. This new entrée to Lincoln Center was shaped by input from thousands of community members who asked for more green space, gathering spots, and year-round access.

It's a major win for local families, who will finally have easier access to Lincoln Center’s cultural programs and outdoor spaces without needing a ticket or an invitation. Plus, the space will be designed for relaxation and play, making it a perfect destination for after-school meetups, weekend outings, or summer fun.

This brand-new space is meant to be used year-round, and there are plenty of spots to gather, explore, or just chill out with a snack.

Renderings courtesy of Brooklyn Digital Foundry

 

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