Support the Academy

Philadelphia's Academy of Music is both a celebrated historical national landmark and vibrant focus of cultural life in the city. Opened in 1857, the Academy is the oldest grand opera house in the United States still used for its original purpose. Today, it remains one of the busiest halls in the world and is host to a myriad of community, cultural and civic functions, including The Philadelphia Orchestra, the Opera Company of Philadelphia, and the Pennsylvania Ballet. The Academy is owned and operated by The Philadelphia Orchestra Association, and has been the orchestra's home since its founding in 1900.

Six years ago "The Academy of Music Project for the Twenty-First Century" was devised to raise capital contributions for major improvements to this national landmark. Thanks to generous donations from many dedicated supporters, this $31 million project was successfully completed last year and includes the conservation of the Academy's historic ceiling, improvement of acoustics and structural integrity of the building, the installation of a new wood stage floor, and improved seating for the physically challenged. This past summer's work included the construction of a new orchestral shell and a patron's lounge at the site of the original "Stage Door Canteen" beneath the main lobby.

Though much has already been done to restore the Academy, more is still needed. In the future the Academy will undergo major renovations to the exterior of the building, and the installation of a new theatrical rigging system to maximize the Academy's future success as the region's premier venue for opera, ballet and Broadway-style theatrical productions will take place as well.

Our magnificent Academy of Music has served as observer and creator of history, as well as host to Philadelphia and its citizens since before the Civil War. If you would like to help keep a tangible piece of American history alive, won't you please consider making a contribution to the Academy's future. Our sincerest thanks in advance for your support.

For more information, please call our Restoration Fund office at (215) 893-1940.