David Geffen Donates $100 Million to Lincoln Center, Avery Fisher Hall to Be Renamed After Him

Media bigwig and philanthropist David Geffen has given a $100 million gift to Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts to lead the complete transformation of Avery Fisher Hall, which is home to the New York Philharmonic. As previously reported, the Fisher family agreed to give up the name of the 1962 building so another large donor could receive the honor. The venue will be renamed David Geffen Hall in September 2015 at the start of the New York Philharmonic’s 2015-2016 season.

“As a native New Yorker, I recognize that Lincoln Center is a beacon to artists and musicians around the world,” said Geffen in a statement. “To be involved with such a beloved and iconic institution is deeply satisfying.”

The project is set to begin construction in 2019 at an expected cost of approximately $500 million. In addition to its primary purpose as the home for the New York Philharmonic, which has performed there since it opened in 1962, the redesigned concert hall will also feature the new Lincoln Center Hall of Fame, a first-of-its-kind institution celebrating all aspects of the performing arts and film.