Colburn School to Expand 100K SF with Frank Gehry-Designed Building in Downtown Los Angeles

An esteemed institute for music and dance education, The Colburn School, has revealed plans for a new project - a 100,000-square-foot expansion crafted by the renowned architect Frank Gehry. The upcoming Colburn Center will stand as a testament to the fusion of innovation and artistic excellence, poised to transform the landscape of Downtown Los Angeles. This expansion will elevate the already distinguished training and performance facilities of the school, promising a new realm of possibilities for musical and dance enthusiasts alike.

'Architectural Marvel'

The announced expansion heralds the creation of the largest collection of Gehry-designed structures globally. The expansion will be nestled beside the Walt Disney Concert Hall and The Grand by Gehry. As the building takes shape, it will not only magnify the cultural ethos of the region but also provide an inviting space for diverse performing arts entities to thrive and collaborate.

Discovering a Harmonious Setting

Embracing an essence of artistry, a vibrant 1,000-seat concert hall, honoring Terri and Jerry Kohl, emerges within the expansion. The circular design fosters an intimate bond between performers and the audience. Equipped with an orchestra pit and a spacious stage, the hall caters to grand symphonies, operatic performances, and graceful dance routines. This addition marks the debut of a mid-sized concert venue in Downtown LA. Enhancing the offerings, the Colburn Center will advance the School’s Trudl Zipper Dance Institute, becoming an eminent dance education complex in Southern California. The dance enclave encompasses a 100-seat theater and four commodious studios dedicated to dance instruction and practice.

Creative Space Enhancements

Amidst the expansion, the Colburn Center introduces a rooftop garden for hosting receptions and al-fresco performances. Moreover, a ground-level garden, featuring a designated performance zone open to the public, enriches the community. The deliberate planning and construction of these spaces denote a thoughtful evolution in the cultural landscape.

Embracing a New Chapter

Welcoming a new era of artistic growth and community connection, the Colburn Center emerges as a transformative force in nurturing the local arts scene and engaging with diverse audiences. The ethos of excellence and inclusivity shines through the visionary design by Frank Gehry, embodying a deep commitment to cultural vibrancy and innovation. The Colburn School, a cornerstone of Downtown LA's cultural landscape since 1998, continues to evolve alongside the city's burgeoning arts district. With a rich tapestry of performances and educational offerings, the school's impact resonates not only within its walls but also across the dynamic, evolving canvas of Downtown Los Angeles.

An Era of Possibilities

This transformative project owes its existence to the incredible generosity of philanthropists from Los Angeles and beyond, who have contributed a remarkable $315 million to the Colburn School's ambitious $400 million Building Our Future campaign. The funding is earmarked for covering an estimated $335 million in construction expenses, along with $65 million to support the endowment and operational costs of both the Colburn Center and the Colburn School.

Pioneering Visionaries

Leading the charge is Carol Colburn Grigor, the Life Chairman Emeritus of the Board of Trustees. Notably, Terri and Jerry Kohl have made a significant leadership donation that will grant them the naming rights to the 1,000-seat concert hall. Moreover, various other philanthropists have also made substantial contributions, resulting in spaces and programs being named after them, such as the Mullin Family Garden of Thoughts and Dreams, the Fiock Family Fund for Excellence, and the Eva and Marc Stern underwritten Colburn Orchestra, among others.