| Aaron Davis Hall | |
| Address: | 160 Convent Ave. |
| Location: | New York City |
| Type: | Performing arts center |
| Built: | 1974–1979 |
| Publictransit: | Subway |
| Owner: | City College of New York |
| Construction Cost: | $5.3 million |
| Seating Capacity: | Marian Anderson Theatre: 750 Theatre B: 250 |
Aaron Davis Hall is a performing arts center in Harlem, Manhattan, New York City. It opened in 1979[1] and is located on the campus of the City College of New York, between West 133rd and 135th Streets on Convent Avenue, one block east of Amsterdam Avenue. and is the northern extension of Morningside Avenue beginning at 127th Street. It consists of the Marian Anderson Theatre, named after the American contralto, and Theatre B, a black box theater.
In 2007, it was among over 530 New York City arts and social service institutions to receive part of a $20 million grant from the Carnegie Corporation, which was made possible through a donation by New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg.[2]
In 1974, the City College announced plans for the $5.3 million Aaron Davis Hall, which would house the school's Leonard Davis Center for the Performing Arts.[3] The Aaron Davis Hall was opened in 1979 with a concert by many notable artists, such as Mikhail Baryshnikov and Ella Fitzgerald. The architecture received acclaim for its verve and "dignified" style.[4]
In December 1992, the hall underwent a $250,000 renovation, which involved replacing torn carpet, repainting and sprucing up the lobby and backstage areas, and installing a new computerized lighting system and a 40-channel audio system, compared to the old system which only allowed four microphones.[5]
In 2007, it was among over 530 New York City arts and social service institutions to receive part of a $20 million grant from the Carnegie Corporation, which was made possible through a donation by New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg.