Lied Center breaks ground on new $35 million renovation project fully funded by donations

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – The Lied Center stage has seen over 25,000 artists from around the world over the last three decades, and plans to give the facility a makeover.

The center held a groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday to celebrate the launch of a project called “Building the Future.”

Crews will revamp the entire center floor by floor, including the lobby.

The project also plans to add a new studio theater to support additional performances and to focus on art education.

Many speakers at the event couldn’t contain their excitement.

“You should not have to travel to New York, Chicago, or Los Angeles to see the greatest artists in the world. You should be able to see them right here at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln,” said Bill Stephan, Executive Director of the Lied Center.

Dr. Jeffrey Gold, President of the University of Nebraska System, discussed his childhood in New York City and his relationship with the arts, emphasizing the importance of this project in Lincoln.

“It always comes down to the question of what is good for the people of Nebraska? What’s good for the communities that we serve?  And if it’s good for the community, it’s great for the university, and today exemplifies exactly that concept. The arts heal,” he said.

The project is set to cost $35 million, all of which is coming from private donors.

“That is to say, there is not a taxpayer dollar or tuition dollar that is going into this. So, this is an investment by the private philanthropic community to make the university better and to make the community better,” said Dr. Gold.

The project will include over 11 thousand square feet of new construction to add a new studio theater, with the goal of showcasing Nebraska talent.

Many in attendance are telling Channel 8 what they are most looking forward to.

“I’m excited for the Lied Center expansion because of the opportunities for students, because of the opportunities for communities both in Lincoln and all across the state,” said Interim Chancellor Dr. Katherine Ankerson.

“I’m looking forward to the lights, camera, action that the Lied Center brings to our community in such powerful ways,” said Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird.

“Kudos to the Lied Center for bringing people together around the arts; they give us so much to live for in Lincoln.”

Mayor Gaylor Baird also described her excitement for the upcoming national touring company, SUFFS.

The center will remain open during the construction, which is expected to be completed by the fall of 2027.