Barbra Streisand Elected as Perelman Center Chairperson

The board of directors of The Ronald O. Perelman Performing Arts Center at the World Trade Center and President & Director Maggie Boepple unveiled the design for the new performing arts center last month.

Set to open in 2020, The Perelman Center will produce and premiere theater, dance, music, film, opera, and multidisciplinary works while offering a range of amenities for visitors and area residents. The Perelman Center’s board of directors also announced the organization’s newly elected Chairperson—Brooklyn native Barbra Streisand.

Designed by New York-based REX, the concept for The Perelman Center is inspired by the Center’s mission to defy experiential expectations. Its design cues were taken from The Perelman Center’s aim to foster artistic risk, incubate original productions, provide unparalleled flexibility, and deliver the most technologically advanced and digitally connected spaces for creative performance.

“Today the World Trade Center site stands as a monument to our nation’s ability to prevail in its darkest hour,” Governor Andrew Cuomo said. “The Perelman Performing Arts Center will highlight the values that make New York exceptional—the celebration of diverse cultures from every corner of the globe. This Center will help complete the renewal of Lower Manhattan and, on behalf of all New Yorkers, I welcome this institution and thank those who are working to make this vision a reality.”

“REX’s bold, elegant exterior, and ingenious interior demonstrate a deep understanding of the very specific needs of this performing arts house,” said Boepple. “Coupled with theater consultants Charcoalblue, REX has, from the inside out, designed and created brilliant solutions for this exciting project.”

Joshua Prince-Ramus, Principal of REX, said, “The Perelman Center is an immensely flexible canvas on which directors can script the patrons’ entire experience from their very entrance into the building. It is a ‘mystery box,’ a constant source of surprise for theatergoers and the community. We are honored to be involved with such an important project on such an important site.”

Yes, the Perelman Center is named for the East Hamptonite who donated $75 million toward its creation.