Lied Center breaks ground on 'Building the Future' project

The Lied Center for Performing Arts at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln broke ground Feb. 10 on a $35 million privately funded addition and renovation to Nebraska’s performing arts center.

Recognized at the “Building the Future” groundbreaking ceremony were the generous benefactors supporting the transformative project — Acklie Charitable Foundation, The Johnny Carson Foundation, Anabeth Hormel Cox, D F Dillon Foundation, Sid Dillon, Kelly and Virginia Holthus family, Glenn Korff Foundation, Doug and Vikki Kotil, NEBCO/Abel Foundation, Liana Sandin and The Pearle Francis Finigan Foundation, Rhonda Seacrest and Union Bank and Trust.

The Building the Future project will ensure the Lied Center remains Nebraska’s destination for the world’s most distinctive artists. Located at 12th and Q streets, the Lied Center project will include an iconic new entrance along Q Street, as well as enhanced lobbies, a new studio theater and numerous other enhancements. 

“For over 35 years, the Lied Center has transformed lives and created memories that last a lifetime,” said Bill Stephan, executive director and chief artistic officer of the Lied Center. “This project ensures the Lied Center is positioned for the future so we can continue thrilling audiences, inspiring young people and serving as one of the very best places to experience the ‘Good Life’ in Nebraska.”

Construction site preparations in the area began in early February following the project’s approval by the University of Nebraska Board of Regents. Lied Center performances and programs will continue throughout construction. The project has an anticipated completion date of fall 2027. 

“The Lied Center has long been a vital force in Nebraska’s artistic and cultural landscape, serving as a gathering place and a gateway to the arts for the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and communities across our state,” said Dr. Jeffrey P. Gold, president of the University of Nebraska system. “This groundbreaking marks an exciting new chapter — one that will elevate the Lied’s role as a hub for discovery, connection and inspiration. I’m deeply grateful to the generous supporters who are helping us build the future, and I look forward to all that lies ahead for this extraordinary institution.” 

The Lied Center opened in 1990, championed by Woody Varner, Martin Massengale and E.N. “Jack” Thompson. The Lied was created with support from the Lied Foundation Trust, which selected the project as its first grant. Established through the generosity of Ernst F. Lied, the trust provided a $10 million challenge grant that was matched by the community, including gifts from more than 2,000 Nebraskans and University of Nebraska alumni nationwide.

Over the past 35 years, more than 3.5 million tickets have been sold at the Lied Center, and more than 2,500 artists have performed on the main stage. In addition, more than 1.2 million students have participated in educational or performance programs. The Lied Center serves more than 200,000 people per year at performance events, conferences and conventions and through its partnership with Lincoln’s Symphony Orchestra as the orchestra in residence. Attendance at the Lied Center’s annual season of curated performances has doubled over the last decade and now exceeds 100,000.

Liz McCue | University Communication and Marketing

Building the Future project

The Lied Center’s current venue spaces are dedicated to season performances, rental events and special programs. The Building the Future project will strengthen the Lied Center’s connection to the community and university by creating a new studio theater ideal for K-12 and Husker student performances.

The project includes an addition and renovation:

• Addition: An approximately 11,150-square-foot addition will be constructed. On the building’s north side, the addition will include a new studio theater for performances, workshops, arts education classes and rehearsals, allowing independent activities to take place even when a national touring performance is in the Lied Center’s main hall. The addition also includes a dressing room, shared foyer for the new studio theater, enhanced Lied Commons and new donor lounge. A new entry lobby with ticket office will be constructed on the south side of the building, along with the new entrance.
• Renovation: About 25,250 square feet across all three levels will be updated to enhance lobbies and improve circulation and accessibility.

Courtesy | Lied Center for Performing Arts

The Lied Center is one of the top 100 theaters in the world, according to Pollstar Magazine. It presents the greatest artists in the world, including recent appearances and collaborations with Yo-Yo Ma, Wynton Marsalis, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and top touring Broadway shows. Beyond the stage, Lied Center artists work with local students to transform lives, and the Lied Center is a national leader in university student attendance and participation in programs. The Lied Center is a creator of new works, having commissioned more than 25 new pieces since 1990. 

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, a historic effort to engage 150,000 unique benefactors to raise $3 billion to support the University of Nebraska.

HDR is the architect for the Building the Future project, and the construction manager is the Whiting-Turner Contracting Company. Project consultants are Theatre Projects and Threshold.

Courtesy | Lied Center for Performing Arts

What others are saying

• “The Lied Center is Nebraska’s home for the arts, and this project allows us to reimagine how our campus and community experience live performance. These upgrades will expand opportunities for students and artists, create more welcoming and functional spaces for audiences and ensure the Lied continues to inspire, uplift and bring people together for generations to come. We are grateful to the donors whose generosity makes this bold investment in creativity, connection and excellence possible.” — Katherine S. Ankerson, interim chancellor, University of Nebraska–Lincoln
• “As a priority of the Only in Nebraska campaign, the Lied Center project invests in a Nebraska treasure, ensuring it can thrive as a premier performing arts destination well into the future. The Lied Center will continue to welcome the world’s greatest artists while inspiring students to learn and grow. This vision is made possible through the generosity of our incredible benefactors.” — Brian F. Hastings, president and CEO, University of Nebraska Foundation
• “The Lied Center is one of the top performing arts centers in the nation. Each year, the Lied presents programs that can only be experienced in Lincoln, Nebraska — from collaborations with organizations such as American Ballet Theatre and the St. Louis Symphony to world-premiere works by artists like Danny Elfman, Philip Glass and emerging voices. This project supports the continued growth of distinctive, one-of-a-kind programming for Nebraska.” — Brent Korte, president, Lied Center Statewide Advisory Board

Courtesy | Lied Center for Performing Arts