Here's What The Arts Center At Hudson Yards Will Look Like

CHELSEA, NY — The public arts center coming to Hudson Yards is getting closer to opening with the release of new renderings and a list of the first artists who will perform there in 2019.

The arts space, named "The Shed," is part of the massive Hudson Yards development currently being built on Manhattan's West Side. The project will include skyscrapers, apartment buildings, public parks and more when it's completed.

The Shed will serve as the centerpiece of the new neighborhood's arts scene, with a unique design that will allow it to be used no matter the weather. During temperate seasons, The Shed will be a open-air concert venue that can quickly be transformed into a climate-controlled performance hall thanks to a massive shell that sits on top of the structure. The "shell" can be rolled out and installed to completely cover the outdoor venue in about five minutes. Once the shell is in place, the "McCourt" will be in place and capable of holding an audience of 1,250 people seated or 2,700 people standing.

The Shed’s inaugural season will include a live production on the impact of African-American music and art in the past century created by filmmaker Steve McQueen with musician Quincy Jones, organizers announced this month. You can see the first commissions for the 2019 inaugural season here.

The project will also feature Open Call, a commissioning program for new artists who live or work in New York City. Open Call will provide a space for up-and-coming artists to develop and showcase their work.

Image credit: Courtesy of Ed Lederman