Fisher Center for the Performing Arts by Architect Frank Gehry

Lead architect Frank Gehry designed the Fisher Center for the Performing Arts with Acoustical Designer Yasuhisa Toyota, of Nagata Acoustics Inc. Richard Pilbrow and John Tissot of South Norwalk, Connecticut were theater consultants for the project.

Frank Gehry chose brushed stainless steel for the exterior of the Fisher Center so that the sculptural building would reflect light and color from the pastural landscape. The unusual shape of the Fisher Center grew out of the design for the two interior theaters. Undulating stainless steel canopies project over the box office and lobby. The canopies loosely drape over the sides of the theaters, creating two tall, sky-lit gathering areas on each side of the main lobby. The canopies also create a sculptural, collar-like shape that rests on the concrete and plaster walls of the two theaters.

The Fisher Center at Bard College has brought much praise and some criticism. According to the Boston Globe, the Fisher Center has a casual, "thrown-together" look, but it's certainly a performance in itself. (Read the review.)

Facts About the Fisher Center at Bard College

• Total gross program area = 107,612 square feet
• $62 million to construct
• Opened April 25, 2003

Learn more about the Fisher Center at Bard College >