Our Commitment to Accessibility and Inclusion

Lincoln Center’s approach to accessibility mirrors our commitment to create performing arts spaces that are more inclusive of our audiences’ identities and access needs. We have centered accessibility in all aspects of the hall's design, not as an afterthought or add-on. The reimagination of David Geffen Hall features inclusive design and accommodations for all guests.

Inclusive Design Features:

Accessible seating in the Wu Tsai Theater, Kenneth C. Griffin Sidewalk Studio, Music Box and Patron’s Lounge. In the Wu Tsai Theater, accessible seating and designated aisle seats are located in the orchestra, parterre and on all tiers. For guests transferring to seats, mobility devices will be checked by staff, labeled, and returned at intermission and the end of the performance. All seats in the Wu Tsai Theater accommodate a maximum weight of 600 pounds. Standard seats and transfer seats have a width of 20 inches. Extra width seats, 28 inches wide, are available on the orchestra, first and second tiers.

Accessible entrances from Josie Robertson Plaza to access the lobby and from Broadway at the south side of 65th Street to access events in the Griffin Sidewalk Studio.

Accessible routes from the lobby to all tiers and performance spaces are accessible by elevator.

• Accessible restrooms are on all levels, including the lobby. Accessible companion restrooms, single restrooms designed for one person who uses a wheelchair and one companion, are located on the orchestra level and all tiers. Infant changing tables are available at every level.

Hearing Loops are installed in the orchestra, tier 1, tier 2, and tier 3 of the Wu Tsai Theater, Hauser Digital Wall, Music Box and Patron’s Lounge, as well as in commerce points, including Welcome Center’s Box Office, Coat Check, Guest Experience Podium on the Grand Promenade, the Lobby Bar and the First Republic Bar on the Grand Promenade. Guests with telecoil-enabled hearing devices can utilize this wireless technology to transmit sound to hearing aids and cochlear implants. Loop receivers are available in all above locations. FM assistive listening devices available for events in the Sidewalk Studio.

• Tactile Maps of David Geffen Hall’s lobby, Wu Tsai Theater seating chart and Lincoln Center’s campus are available in the Welcome Center. Designed for guests who are blind or have low vision to confidently navigate spaces, these maps encourage exploration of spaces by touch.

• Print programs available in braille and large print from Guest Experience, located next to Door 4 A-E on the Grand Promenade.

• Noise-reducing headphones, fidgets and earplugs available to borrow from Guest Experience, located next to Door 4 A-E on the Grand Promenade.

• For all events in the Wu Tsai Theater, seat cushions are available to borrow from the Guest Experience Podium. Cushions are 19 inches wide by 17 inches deep, with 3 inch height.


Recommended Pick Up and Drop Off Locations:

• Access-A-Ride: 20 Lincoln Center Plaza is a designed drop off, located on Columbus between 63rd and 64th Streets. Guests can access a ramp at 64th Street to enter David Geffen Hall.

​• Vehicle Drop Off: Enter the Concourse Level, via the parking garage at 144 West 65th Street and proceeding to vehicle drop off. Guests can access an elevator to the plaza level entrance to David Geffen Hall.

 

In addition to the list above, select events will include:

​• Live captioning, displaying text of all spoken words and sounds to provide access to Deaf, hard-of-hearing and neurodiverse communities, in English on personal handheld devices

• American Sign Language interpretation

• Audio description, sharing the visual elements for people who are blind or have low vision, over single earpiece receiver

 

We recognize that the list above is not exhaustive and that accommodations are never a “one size fits all” solution. Please contact the Access Team by email at [email protected] or by phone at 212-875-5375 to discuss your specific access needs or accommodations so that we may explore other accommodations we may be able to offer. While there is no deadline for notice, please reach out as soon as you know that you plan to attend a program so that we may have enough time to identify the best options to fill your request.


Access Concierge Service

As part of our continued commitment to making Lincoln Center accessible and inclusive, we are excited to offer a new service to our guests who request additional assistance. Access Reps, trained to support guests with disabilities, provide 1:1 support for individual guests and their party.

Guests attending performances at David Geffen Hall, Alice Tully Hall, the Clark Studio Theater, Samuel Rehearsal Studio, the Stanley Kaplan Penthouse or any outdoor venues may request in advance:

  • ​An Access Rep to meet them upon arrival on campus, escort them throughout the performance space and assist them with any of their requested accommodations. Access Reps can supply and push guests in a wheelchair, provide sighted guide technique, or simply escort and assist.
  • ​Check in at intermission, see if the guest needs anything, answer questions/receive feedback
  • ​Assistance with departure from the performance venue

Inquire about this service when purchasing a ticket through the Lincoln Center Box Office or CenterCharge. Guests who already have their tickets can email [email protected] for further information. Please note that this service should be requested at least 7 business days prior to the performance, and assistance is based on staff availability.