Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Orchestra Hall need a renovation?
Nearly 10 million people have enjoyed musical performances at Orchestra Hall since it opened in 1974. Our auditorium—which is internationally known for its fine acoustics—has held up extremely well and only requires modest refurbishments. Our lobby spaces, however, are in significant need of improvement in order to best serve our audiences and students. We plan to significantly expand the size of the lobby, develop flexible new spaces to meet educational needs, create a welcoming exterior and better connection to the city outside, and improve circulation and accessibility.
We want to ensure that millions more individuals are able to experience an outstanding musical experience at Orchestra Hall in the decades to come.
What will the renovation of Orchestra Hall cost? How will it be funded?
The renovation and expansion of Orchestra Hall is a $40 million project. The Orchestra will privately fundraise for two thirds of the cost and seek the additional third through public bonding from the State of Minnesota.
Will you use tax dollars from the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment to fund this project?
No. Although the Minnesota Orchestral Association has received Legacy amendment funding for programming through the Minnesota State Arts Board, the Arts Board does not allow Legacy amendment funds to be used for capital projects such as the renovation of Orchestra Hall.
Who will design the renovation of Orchestra Hall?
The Orchestra has engaged the award-winning Toronto firm Kuwabara Payne McKenna Blumberg Architects (KPMB) to design the renovation and expansion. KPMB is an ideal choice for the project as the firm is known both for its expertise with renovation projects and performing arts venues.
How many jobs will this project create?
The Orchestra Hall renovation will create more than 1000 jobs. Already, we've engaged a local project manager, general contractor, and structural and mechanical engineers.
What is the timeline for the Orchestra Hall renovation?
We plan to begin elements of construction in August 2010, and the new Orchestra Hall will be ready for a grand re-opening during the Orchestra's 2012-13 season.
Where will the Minnesota Orchestra perform while the Hall is under construction?
We are currently looking at a variety of alternate venues in which the Orchestra will perform during its 2011-12 season. Stay tuned!
Will you still offer educational performances while the Hall is under construction?
Absolutely – in fact, 2011 marks the hundredth anniversary of our flagship Young People's Concerts, and we are preparing a special season of performances for students.
We'll continue offering our U.S. Bank Pops, Inside the Classics, Piper Jaffray Jazz, special presentations and holiday programs, too.
Why does Peavey Plaza need renovation?
Orchestra Hall is fortunate to be located next to the publicly-owned Peavey Plaza, but this beloved public park has fallen into disrepair since it was built in the mid-1970s. The right time to improve Peavey is now – along-side the Orchestra Hall renovation. The City of Minneapolis and Orchestra are currently collaborating to revitalize this urban space to live up to its full potential as a vital gathering space.
We believe the reinvention of an entire city block in Minneapolis will have a powerful cultural, social and economic impact on our community.
Who will design the renovation of Peavey Plaza?
The City will hire a landscape architect to design the renovation to Peavey. This will be a public process that allows opportunity for community input.
What will the renovation of Peavey Plaza cost?
The precise scope and cost of the Peavey renovation has not yet been determined.
