Restoration and Preservation

 

Restoration

The timeless beauty and perpetual service of the Academy of Music merits the quest for it to stand free of time.

 

The ongoing restoration of the Academy of Music requires consistent stewardship and planned investments that keep the Academy safe, comfortable, and beautiful for all. Through the commitment of The Philadelphia Orchestra and the oversight and dedication of the Board of Trustees of the Academy of Music, capital improvements and restoration strategy has been developed following a comprehensive study of the integrity of the building.

This building study serves as a roadmap for determining the priorities of investments leading to a set of current capital improvement projects that include crucial upgrades to systems and the phased refurbishment of both the interior and exterior.

Preserving a Philadelphia’s Cornerstone of Culture

The ongoing restoration of the Academy of Music requires consistent stewardship and planned investments that keep the Academy safe, comfortable, and beautiful for all. Through the commitment of The Philadelphia Orchestra and the oversight and dedication of the Board of Trustees of the Academy of Music, capital improvements and restoration strategy has been developed following a comprehensive study of the integrity of the building.

This building study serves as a roadmap for determining the priorities of investments leading to a set of current capital improvement projects that include crucial upgrades to systems and the phased refurbishment of both the interior and exterior.

 
 

Restoration Projects

All of the funds needed to implement ongoing Academy of Music capital projects by The Philadelphia Orchestra and the Academy of Music are contributed revenue and managed through the Academy of Music Restoration Fund Office.

Every year, a capital improvement and restoration plan is developed based on structural studies of the building. The structural studies determine investment priorities to address crucial upgrades to the building’s systems and the phased refurbishment of both the interior and exterior. 

Restoration Projects

All of the funds needed to implement ongoing Academy of Music capital projects by The Philadelphia Orchestra and the Academy of Music are contributed revenue and managed through the Academy of Music Restoration Fund Office.

Every year, a capital improvement and restoration plan is developed based on structural studies of the building. The structural studies determine investment priorities to address crucial upgrades to the building’s systems and the phased refurbishment of both the interior and exterior. 

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Coming Soon

time-lapsed seat replacement video

Drexel University video featuring Cackie Rogers

Current Projects

Façade Exploration

July – August 2019

In February 2019, the Board of Trustees received the initial findings of a commissioned wholistic study for the building’s exterior. Based on the study Trustees approved a pilot façade exploration that will further study the condition of the building’s iconic brownstone and identify best methods for restoring the stone to its original condition.

Upcoming Projects

Cupola Restoration and Roof Patching

March – August 2020       

In the spring of 2020, the Academy will embark on a targeted and urgent roof repair plan, identifying any issues of concern and performing all necessary critical and preventative repairs.

Balcony Repairs and Façade Lighting

March – August 2021  

In spring 2021, the Academy will restore the Broad and Locust Street balconies. Currently shrouded in protective netting to prevent spalling, the aging façade paint on the balconies will be stripped away and the stone structure and decorative elements will be restored. Following the completion of the balcony restorations, additional lighting will be added to extend the exterior lighting on the balconies.