And now Part 2 of my salute on the 60th birthday of the New York State Theater (renamed David H. Koch Theater) at Lincoln Center that I managed in the early years of this century. Yesterday we saw a couple of early construction photos from 1964. Above is the architectural photo of the finished building designed by Philip Johnson and John Burgee. I had met Mr. Johnson through a different project a decade prior to becoming Managing Director and had the pleasure to speak with Mr. Burgee after I started there. It is an exquisite theater for dance and my favorite on the Lincoln Center Plaza.

Below is a photo taken in The Promenade, the lobby area that mirrors the multi-ring construction of the auditorium. It is a grand yet warm space and is terrific for parties, one of which is captured in the photo. Fun story. There are many iconic modern art pieces through the lobby but the defining sculptures flank the great hall and were copies of work by sculptor Elie Nadelman. Mr. Johnson felt they were perfect for the space but the co-founder of the New York City Ballet, Lincoln Kirstein, felt differently. As an impresario and art expert Mr. Kirstein’s opinion held some sway in the matter. Instead of battling it out Mr. Johnson got sneaky. As the Promenade was under construction it provided a large construction staging space where many crates were stowed until the glass front and the roof could be installed. Mr. Johnson arranged for two large crates, unmarked, containing the sculptures were lowered into the space and then built the roof over it.

When major framing construction was complete he revealed that the two sculptures were inside. As they were larger than any available door or building opening they could not be loaded out without destroying them or significantly altering the construction schedule. While I do not have an official reaction from Kirstein (this story was told to me by John Burgee), he had to essentially grin and bear it. And so the Nadelman sculptures still anchor the Promenade even today. You can see them in the foreground and background of the party scene below.