Lied Center for Performing Arts

Fundraising for a dedicated performing arts facility on campus at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln (NU) began in the early 1980s under the leadership of University of Nebraska Foundation president Woody Varner.{{Cite web|url=https://www.liedcenter.org/explore-lied/history|title=HISTORY|website=Lied Center for Performing Arts|access-date=8 November 2022}} Seventy-one donors contributed to the project, which also received public funding, and Varner's fundraising goal was met in 1986. Omaha-based HDR, Inc. was selected as the primary architecture firm for the project and Paul Veneklasen was used as an acoustics consultant. Construction began on October 13, 1986 on the corner of 12th and Q Streets in downtown Lincoln, on the southwest corner of NU's City Campus. The facility was completed in 1990; Opera Omaha performed Madama Butterfly to open the facility on March 17, 1990. The center was dedicated as the Lied Center for Performing Arts in memory of Ernst and Ida Lied, whose foundation made a significant contribution to the project. The Lied Center of Kansas, which was opened in 1993 at the University of Kansas, is also named for the couple.

While most performing arts venues are designed with neutral colors, the main theater at the Lied Center uses terracotta "walls" (actually acoustic mirrors) and red seats; these warmer colors "match the spirit of the people of Nebraska." The main theater has dressing rooms at stage level, a rarity, allowing performers to quickly make their way on stage.

The Lied Center saw a significant attendance decline following the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, with crowds often at twenty-five percent of capacity.{{Cite web|url=https://nebraskapublicmedia.org/ja/news/news-articles/no-relief-fortenberry-fears-lied-center-could-miss-out-on-covid-funding/|title=No Relief? Fortenberry Fears Lied Center Could Miss Out on COVID Funding|website=Nebraska Public Media|date=23 February 2021|author=William Padmore|access-date=9 November 2022}} The facility was largely self-sustaining prior to the pandemic, receiving approximately five percent of its revenue from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.

In 2021, NU began a series of expansions and renovations to the Lied Center designed to expand lobby space and reduce wait times for patrons entering the facility.{{Cite web|url=https://www.klkntv.com/big-changes-coming-to-downtown-lincoln/|title=Big changes coming to Downtown Lincoln|website=ABC 8 News|date=6 December 2021|author=Arianna Martinez|access-date=9 November 2022}} The $25.5 million project was mostly privately funded. At the same time, the university approved construction of a $75 million building to replace the Westbrook Music Building as the home of the Glenn Korff School of Music.{{Cite web|url=https://journalstar.com/news/local/education/lied-center-planning-a-25-million-expansion-unl-eyeing-new-music-building/article_906150ba-e01f-5d30-8836-6ea17c301108.html|title=Lied Center planning a $25 million expansion; UNL eyeing new music building|website=Lincoln Journal Star|date=25 November 2021|author=Chris Dunker|access-date=9 November 2022}}

The Lied Center contains three performance spaces: the Lied Center Main Stage, which seats 2,258 and is the facility's primary performance area; the Carson Theater, a black box theater named after Johnny Carson used for smaller productions; and the Lied Commons, an event space for cultural programs, education events, and private receptions. Kimball Recital Hall, which is located just north of the Lied Center and houses NU's Glenn Korff School of Music, is also operated by the Lied Center and can provide seating for 850 spectators.

Since its opening in 1990, the Lied Center has served as one of the primary entertainment venues in Lincoln. Among the bands, speakers, and comedians who have performed at the facility are The Moody Blues, B.B. King, Willie Nelson, "Weird Al" Yankovic, Jerry Seinfeld, Mannheim Steamroller, Bill Cosby, Foreigner, and Crosby, Stills & Nash.{{Cite web|url=https://www.concertarchives.org/venues/lied-center-for-performing-arts-university-of-nebraska?page=1|title=Lied Center for Performing Arts, University of Nebraska-Lincoln Concert History|website=Concert Archives|access-date=9 November 2022}}

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Category:University of Nebraska–Lincoln buildings and structures

Category:University and college arts centers in the United States

Category:Theatres in Nebraska

Category:Tourist attractions in Lincoln, Nebraska

Category:University and college buildings completed in 1990

Category:1990 establishments in Nebraska

Category:Theatres completed in 1990