Richard B. Fisher Center for the Performing Arts

The Richard B. Fisher Center is a concert hall and theater building on the Bard College campus with two performance venues of different sizes. The larger theater holds about 900 seats and features an orchestra pit, while the smaller house has roughly 200 seats and serves diverse performance types.

The center opened in 2003 after a three-year construction period and was designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry. Its completion marked a major step in developing Bard College's performing arts program.

The center hosts the annual Bard Music Festival and SummerScape program, bringing orchestral performances, dance shows, theater productions, and opera to the local community. These events draw artists and audiences from across the region.

The building uses geothermal heating and cooling systems that operate without fossil fuels during typical weather conditions. This modern technical standard helps provide comfortable conditions for audiences and performers alike.

The roof features more than 5,600 stainless steel shingles that give the building its distinctive gleaming appearance. This unusual construction choice makes the structure a visual landmark on the college grounds.

Location: Annandale-on-Hudson

Inception: 2003

Architects: Frank Gehry

Official opening: 2003

Website: https://fishercenter.bard.edu

GPS coordinates: 42.03130,-73.90270

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:58