Whitman Hall At Brooklyn College Remains Closed As Restoration Work Continues

The 2,400-seat theater in Whitman Hall at Brooklyn College remains closed as restoration work continues. The theater, used by local community groups for events and ceremonies throughout the year, also hosts the public performance series "Brooklyn College Presents" (formerly Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts at Brooklyn College-BCBC).

Given the delays in construction, the theater will not be available for rentals and public programming will go on hiatus. The college hopes the restoration work will be finalized sometime in the spring of 2019.

When completed, the theater will have a new HVAC system, new ramps that wrap the building, new security doors, as well as overall repairs to the front plaza, side walls, and parapets.

"It is important to keep our local communities informed regarding the restorations at Whitman Theater," said Maria Ann Conelli, dean of the Brooklyn College School of Visual, Media and Performing Arts. "It's going to take more time to complete the upgrades, and we look forward to welcoming the public through our doors when restoration is finished."

Whitman Hall opened in 1955 as the centerpiece of Brooklyn College's Performing Arts Center. It was originally named The Walt Whitman Theatre after the Brooklyn-born poet Walt Whitman.

For more information and updates please visit our website:

http://www.brooklyn.cuny.edu/web/campuslife/offerings/spaces/construction.php.

Brooklyn College is an innovative urban institution with a history of more than 80 years of academic excellence. With over 17,000 students enrolled in 120 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in the humanities, social, behavioral and natural sciences, education, business and the arts, the college is renowned for its rigorous academics, diverse student body, award-winning faculty, and highly affordable tuition. Located on a beautifully landscaped 35-acre campus, Brooklyn College offers a rich student life within an urban environment.