We're Building the Future!

The Lied Center for Performing Arts in Lincoln officially broke ground on Building the Future, a $35 million privately funded addition and renovation to Nebraska’s Performing Arts Center.

The Building the Future project will ensure the Lied Center remains Nebraska’s destination for the world’s most distinctive artists. The project will include an iconic new entrance along Q Street, as well as enhanced lobbies, a new studio theater and numerous other enhancements.

“For over 35 years, the Lied Center has transformed lives and created memories that last a lifetime,” said Bill Stephan, executive director and chief artistic officer of the Lied Center. “This project ensures the Lied Center is positioned for the future so we can continue thrilling audiences, inspiring young people and serving as one of the very best places to experience the ‘Good Life’ in Nebraska.”

Construction will occur over an 18 month period beginning in February, 2026 with an anticipated completion date of fall, 2027. 

Lied Center performances and programs will continue throughout construction.

The project includes both an addition and renovation:

• Addition: An approximately 11,150-square-foot addition will be constructed. On the building’s north side,the addition will include a new studio theater for performances, workshops, arts education classes and rehearsals, allowing independent activities to take place even when a national touring performance is taking place in the Lied Center’s main hall. The addition also includes a dressing room, a shared foyer for the new studio theater, enhanced Lied Commons and a new donor lounge. A new entry lobby with ticket office will be constructed on the south side of the building, along with the new entrance.
  • The Lied Center’s current venue spaces are dedicated to season performances, rental events, and special programs. The Building the Future project will strengthen the Lied Center’s connection to the community and to the university by creating a new studio theater that is ideal for K-12 and Husker student performances.
     
• Renovation: Approximately 25,250 square feet across all three levels will be updated to enhance lobbies and improve circulation and accessibility.​

Upon completion of the project, the Lied's economic impact is estimated to grow to over $23.4 million annually. (American's for the Arts Economic Prosperity 6) 

Gifts to the Building the Future project were made through the University of Nebraska Foundation. The renovation and expansion are a priority of Only in Nebraska: A Campaign for Our University’s Future, a historic effort to engage 150,000 unique benefactors to raise $3 billion to support the University of Nebraska.

HDR is the architect for the Building the Future project, and the construction manager is The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company. Project consultants are Theatre Projects and Threshold.