The Lied Center for Performing Arts celebrated a major milestone in its Building the Future expansion and renovation project Sept. 8 as the final steel beam was placed atop the expanded building structure.
The topping off marks the completion of the structural steel framework for the Lied Center’s new addition and represents a significant step toward the project’s anticipated completion in fall 2027.
“This is an exciting moment in the history of the Lied Center,” said Bill Stephan, executive director and chief artistic officer of the Lied Center. “Seeing the new structure take shape makes the extraordinary impact of this project increasingly real. Thanks to the support of generous donors, Building the Future will transform the experience of everyone who enters the Lied Center while creating new opportunities for artists, students and audiences for generations to come.”
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The Building the Future project has been made possible largely through private support. The addition and renovation are designed to ensure Nebraska’s performing arts center continues to meet the needs of its growing audiences and expanding programs. HDR is the architect for the project, and the Whiting-Turner Contracting Co. is the construction manager.
“The Lied Center for Performing Arts is one of our brightest points of pride at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln,” said Interim Chancellor Katherine S. Ankerson. “The center is a gateway to the arts for communities across our state and an essential platform for student artists, musicians and actors as they develop their craft. The generosity shown by donors stands as a strong testament to the fact that Nebraskans believe artistic expression is not just a luxury, but a necessity to a thriving university and, indeed, a thriving state.”
Dr. Jeffrey P. Gold, president of the University of Nebraska system, emphasized that during the past 35-plus years, the Lied Center has enriched the student experience while welcoming audiences from across the state and beyond, with more than 3.5 million tickets sold. He also thanked the benefactors who have supported the project.
“The Lied Center’s renovation and expansion would not be possible without the generosity of donors who understand that the arts are an essential part of both the University of Nebraska and our state,” he said. “Today’s ‘topping off’ marks a milestone event in this project, and I look forward to its completion in fall 2027.”
2026-27 Lied Center season
Lied Center programming and events will continue throughout construction, including one of the biggest seasons in the venue’s history. The 2026-27 season opens Sept. 18 and features world-class artists ranging from Wynton Marsalis with Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra to Ballet Hispánico to the return of “Hamilton,” which closes the season in April 2027. Downtown Lincoln parking garages across the street from the Lied Center remain open, and the venue’s entrance on performance days is located on 12th Street, between Q and R streets. Weekday ticket office access is available in the Lied’s Carson Theater from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.
The project includes about 11,150 square feet of new construction, highlighted by a new studio theater on the north side of the building. The flexible performance space will host performances, workshops, arts education classes, rehearsals, and university and community activities, including programming that can occur simultaneously with performances in the Lied Center’s main hall.
The addition also includes a new dressing room, shared foyer, enhanced Lied Commons and renovated special event space. On the south side of the building, a new entry lobby, ticket office and entrance along Q Street will create a dramatically enhanced arrival experience for Lied Center audiences.
About 25,250 square feet of the existing Lied Center will be renovated across all three levels, enhancing lobby spaces while improving circulation and accessibility throughout the building.
Renovations to the venue’s orchestra and balcony lobbies are underway, with new carpet, wall coverings and paint completed in anticipation of the 2026-27 season. Renovations to the concourse, lobbies and entrance areas will continue throughout the Building the Future project.
Lead benefactors supporting the project are the Acklie Charitable Foundation, the Johnny Carson Foundation, Anabeth Hormel Cox, the D F Dillon Foundation, Sid Dillon, Kelly and Virginia Holthus Family, the Glenn Korff Foundation, Doug and Vikki Kotil, the Lancaster County Visitors Improvement Fund, NEBCO/Abel Foundation, Liana Sandin and the Pearle Francis Finigan Foundation, Rhonda Seacrest, and Union Bank and Trust.
Gifts to the Building the Future project were made through the University of Nebraska Foundation. The renovation and expansion are a priority of Only in Nebraska: A Campaign for Our University’s Future.
“The Lied Center for Performing Arts educates, inspires and entertains while enriching the lives of Nebraskans and Husker students,” said Brian F. Hastings, president and CEO of the foundation. “Because of its importance, preserving and enhancing this University of Nebraska–Lincoln landmark is a priority of the Only in Nebraska campaign. We are grateful to the many benefactors whose generosity will help ensure that the Lied Center continues to welcome world-class artists for generations to come.”
A period of tremendous growth
The expansion comes during a period of tremendous growth for the Lied Center. Attendance at the venue’s annual season of curated performances has doubled over the past decade and now exceeds 100,000. Since opening in 1990, more than 3.5 million tickets have been sold, and more than 1.2 million students have participated in Lied Center educational or performance programs.
“This project ensures the Lied Center remains one of the world’s leading performing arts venues for future generations of Nebraskans,” Stephan said. “It will allow us to welcome more artists of distinction, provide expanded opportunities for young people and university students, and create a patron experience worthy of the extraordinary artists who perform on our stages. We are incredibly grateful to the donors and partners whose generosity is making this vision possible.”
Project consultants include Theatre Projects and Threshold.
For more information about the Building the Future project, including project renderings and updates, click here.
