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"This is your building.
It belongs to you and the city of Philadelphia."
— Willard G. Rouse III, former chairman, Kimmel Center, Inc., at the First Anniversary Celebration
Conceived as a public square, a unique performance space and the ultimate urban living room, Commonwealth Plaza embodies the Kimmel Center's commitment to welcome the community to the arts. Our doors are open, both to audiences of all ages, backgrounds and incomes and to performers from across the region. The Kimmel Center has hosted the all-night Summer Solstice, an inspiring tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and a public observance of September 11 featuring performers from each resident company. Kimmel Center Presents programming — dance, theater, holiday traditions and much more — mirrors our community's rich diversity. This diversity also inspires us to welcome new audiences by hosting performers from around the world. Free community programming and subsidized ticket programs mean schools, religious organizations and community groups can experience drummers from Japan, pop music from Africa and great orchestras of the world.
7,500 subsidized and donated tickets — 150 Free in the Plaza performances featuring 250 local artists — 10,000 people attended free performances