Materials in the History & Background section were first published in conjunction with events leading up to the opening of the Kimmel Center in December 2001.

The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts (KCPA) opened December 14 -16, 2001, as the new Home of The Philadelphia Orchestra. The block-long performing arts complex in the heart of Philadelphia includes state-of-the-art performance spaces, backstage facilities, and audience amenities enclosed under a soaring glass-arched roof. Designed by architect Rafael Viñoly and acoustician Russell Johnson, the KCPA includes the 2500-seat Verizon Hall for orchestral concerts and the more intimate 650-seat Perelman Theater for chamber music presentations.

This new cultural landmark is named in honor of Philadelphia businessman and philanthropist Sidney Kimmel, who gave the largest individual gift toward its construction. Kimmel has served on the Board of Directors of The Philadelphia Orchestra since 1995.

With the opening in December 2001 of the Orchestra's new home, the KCPA and the historic Academy of Music (where the Orchestra performed for 101 seasons) are now operated together as a single cultural facility by Kimmel Center, Inc. (KCI). KCI owns, manages, supports, and maintains the KCPA, which includes Verizon Hall, Perelman Theater, Innovation Studio, and the Merck Arts Education Center. KCI also manages the Academy of Music, owned by The Philadelphia Orchestra Association since 1957. The KCPA and the Academy of Music serve as home to eight Resident Company performing arts organizations, including The Philadelphia Orchestra, Opera Company of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Ballet, Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia, American Theater Arts for Youth, PHILADANCO, Philadelphia Chamber Music Society, and Peter Nero and the Philly Pops®. KCI's mission also includes arts in education, community outreach, and a rich diversity of programming through its Kimmel Center Presents and Broadway at the Academy series of performances.