Cylindrical in form to reference the geometries that typified Johnson’s works on the site, the addition is glazed and lit with colorful cold-cathode lighting, creating a bright counterpoint to the dark relics nearby.
In the shadow of the remnants of Philip Johnson’s 1964 World’s Fair Observation Towers and Tent Of Tomorrow, Caples Jefferson Architects’ renovation to Queens Theatre included the addition of a new reception venue.
Queens Theatre addition wrapping the existing theater building with the Tent of Tomorrow beyond.
Theater illuminated at dusk.
Cold-cathode tubes lead visitors to the building entrances and then continue inside, following the curve of the building's spiraling form.
One of the largest new program elements is a new reception venue, which features an orange, inverted-dome ceiling plane and bronze-clad air trees that provide ventilation to allow a 600-person occupancy.
Lobby and reception venue interior, looking back to new box office.
View of the spires that marked the entrance from the theater's 1993 renovation, as seen through one of the reception venue's three oculi.
A new 75-person cabaret is located in the new addition that wraps the existing theater building. The addition was designed to accomodate this new venue, as well as offices and restrooms.
Bar detail.
Main theater.
