A Revered Cultural Institution Gets a Show-stopping Upgrade with Monumental Custom Drapes

Design Team: Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects

Fabrication and Installation: Erik Bruce Creative Studio

Location: Lincoln Center David Geffen Hall, New York, NY

Market: Public Spaces

Product: Custom Creation Baumann Drapery

End Use: Vertical Drapes

Photography: Elena Grey Photography

This incredible piece of textile art was hand stitched with thousands of gold paillettes on both sides of the fabric, further enhancing the enchanting atmosphere of this iconic building.

The New York Philharmonic was originally built in 1962, and to this day remains one of the crown jewels of New York’s cultural scene. In 2022 it underwent a major renovation, with Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects reimagining the public spaces as an inviting, warm, and glamorous "living room" for New York City. 

Among the many beautiful finishes incorporated into this renovation was a monumental custom drape that extends around the entire perimeter of the building. Imagined and brought to life by Swiss textile manufacturer Creation Baumann for Carnegie, this incredible piece of textile art was hand stitched with thousands of gold paillettes on both sides of the fabric, further enhancing the enchanting atmosphere of this iconic building. Installed on a custom-built track system, the drape can be partially or fully extended during the day or retracted at night to reveal views of the surrounding plazas.

While the drape fits beautifully within the overall design language of the renovation, it also provides exceptional heat and glare control, helping the building operate more efficiently and optimize heating and cooling costs. Each side spans over 260 feet of track, and was made in 56 parts for ease of installation and maintenance. The custom 12 ½” S-fold header style folds in large columns provide a tailored look and consistent transparency throughout the 30 foot high drapery.