Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts

Travel Channel Proclaims Kimmel Center One of World’s "Modern Seven Wonders"
November 25, 2002


Photo: ©Jeff Goldberg/ Esto
The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, the cultural and civic landmark which has secured Philadelphia’s place on the international arts map, has been lauded in a new documentary as one of the "Modern Seven Wonders" of the world.

The new $265 million state-of-the-art performing arts center is featured prominently in the hour-long documentary "Modern Seven Wonders," highlighting seven architectural marvels from around the world, including Spain’s Guggenheim Museum, the renovated Reichstag and the Bibliotheca Alexandrina in Egypt. The documentary debuted Sunday, November 24 on cable television’s Travel Channel. Designed by internationally acclaimed architect Rafael Viñoly with acoustics by Artec’s Russell Johnson and theater design by Richard Pilbrow and Theatre Projects Consultants, The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts opened on December 16, 2001 to rave reviews from across the region and around the world. Located on the Avenue of the Arts in the heart of Philadelphia, The Kimmel Center features Verizon Hall, a 2,500-seat, cello-shaped concert hall and the versatile 650-seat Perelman Theater.

The two performance halls are freestanding structures, separated by the public Commonwealth Plaza and enclosed beneath a soaring 150-foot vaulted glass ceiling. The Dorrance H. Hamilton Garden, on the roof of the Perelman Theater, affords sweeping views of the city skyline and The Kimmel Center’s glass-and-steel end walls.

The Kimmel Center is both a cultural center, home to several of Philadelphia’s premiere performing arts organizations, and a civic center, open daily to the public.

"Modern Seven Wonders" focuses on The Kimmel Center’s acoustics and award-winning design. Architect Viñoly, acoustician Johnson and Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts President and CEO Janice Price were all interviewed for the documentary.

The Kimmel Center was also highlighted in a second documentary, "Secrets of Philadelphia," which debuted on the Travel Channel on Thursday, December 5. Both documentaries will be rebroadcast. Check local listings for dates and times.

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