The hopes Downtown Miami’s revitalization by local residents and politicians lays heavily on the success of the Carnival Center for the Performing Arts, Miami’s newest performing arts center located just north of Downtown. Completed in 2006, the center is the second largest performing arts center in the United States, behind New York’s Lincoln Center. It was designed by famed architect Cesar Pelli, who is better known for designing the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

The 570,000-square-foot structure occupies either side of Biscayne Boulevard joined by a pedestrian bridge. Four venues make up the center, the two largest being Ziff Ballet Opera House and Knight Concert Hall. Both seat around 2,000 each. The Peacock Rehearsal Studio and Studio Theater are meant for smaller more intimate performances, with an audience capacity of approximately 260 people.

The center was built and the former site occupied by Sears, Roebuck and Co. department store. Built 1929 it was demolished to make way for the center. The only surviving structure is the seven-story Art Deco tower which was incorporated into the design.

Resident performers include Miami City Ballet and Florid Grand Opera. With no resident orchestra, the center hosts the Cleveland Orchestra for three weeks every year and as well as the New World Symphony Orchestra, whose resident location is the Lincoln Theatre in Miami Beach.

Address:

1444 Biscayne Blvd.
Miami, FL 33132

Telephone: 305-949-6722

URL: http://www.arshtcenter.org/