The Colburn School announced plans for the construction of the Colburn Center, a 100,000-square-foot expansion adjacent to its Grand Avenue campus in Downtown Los Angeles. Designed by famed architect Frank Gehry, the expansion aims to enhance the school’s music and dance training and performance facilities in addition to providing much-needed space for the region’s performing arts organizations.
Why it matters:
- Architectural Landmark: The Colburn Center’s design by Frank Gehry, alongside nearby landmarks like the Walt Disney Concert Hall and The Grand by Gehry, contributes to the creation of the largest concentration of Gehry-designed buildings globally, establishing a significant architectural presence in Downtown Los Angeles.
- Expansion of Cultural Infrastructure: The construction of the Colburn Center addresses the need for mid-sized performance spaces in Downtown LA, providing a 1,000-seat concert hall and state-of-the-art dance facilities, which will not only benefit the Colburn School but also serve as a valuable resource for established and emerging performing arts organizations in the region.
- Community Access and Engagement: With a commitment to accessibility, the Colburn Center aims to democratize access to the arts by offering high-quality professional programming at affordable prices, supported by an endowment fund for Los Angeles-based performing arts groups, aligning with the school’s mission of making performances accessible to diverse audiences and strengthening community engagement with the arts.
