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History of Lincoln Center: the 1950s

  • April 21, 1955
    The Mayor's Slum Clearance Committee (Robert Moses, chairman) is given the go-ahead from the New York City Board of Estimate to designate Lincoln Square for urban renewal.
  • October 25, 1955
    Informal luncheon to discuss the possibility of a cultural project takes place.
  • November 8, 1955
    The informal committee, as yet unnamed, elects John D. Rockefeller 3rd as its chairman.
  • December 13, 1955
    The informal committee chooses as its official name the Exploratory Committee for a Musical Arts Center.
  • June 22, 1956
    Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, Inc. incorporated.
  • June 25, 1956
    John D. Rockefeller 3rd is named the first President of Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, Inc.
  • November 29, 1956
    The New York Philharmonic-Symphony Society Board of Directors passes a resolution to become a constituent.
  • February 1, 1957
    The Juilliard School Board of Directors passes a resolution to become a constituent.
  • February 21, 1957
    The Metropolitan Opera Association Board of Directors passes a resolution to become a constituent.
  • May 14, 1959
    President Dwight D. Eisenhower breaks ground for Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts.