2025 Capital Improvement Project Press Release
For Immediate Release
Contacts: Allison Young, Marketing Director, The Egg | ayoung@theegg.org | 518-390-4687
Georgina Parsons, Office of General Services | ogspressoffice@ogs.ny.gov | 518-474-5987
January 28, 2025
The Egg Performing Arts Center and OGS Announce 2025 Capital Improvement Project
Albany, NY – The Nelson A. Rockefeller Empire State Plaza Performing Arts Center, known as “The Egg,” and the New York State Office of General Services (OGS) announce a transformative capital improvement project to modernize and enhance the venue. Construction will begin in July 2025, with completion slated for early 2026.
Architectural and aesthetic renovations encompass replacing the seating, carpeting, and lighting throughout the entire building, covering both theatrical and common spaces, and transforming The Egg’s lighting system into a state of the art, fully LED automated system capable of supporting complex productions. Additionally, accessibility upgrades will expand the accessible seating sections and restrooms in each theater, and incorporate an induction loop assistive listening system.
New York State Office of General Services Commissioner Jeanette Moy said, “OGS is proud to help transform one of the Capital Region’s most iconic performing arts centers, The Egg, into a modern, safe, and more accessible facility at the Empire State Plaza. This capital project will revive and renovate all areas of The Egg, covering everything from seating to lighting while prioritizing ADA compliance so that everyone is welcome and able to enjoy all the performances and events presented there for generations to come. We are happy to work with The Egg on this endeavor and advance Governor Hochul’s commitment to investing in our state’s dynamic creative industries.”
The scope of this work requires The Egg to temporarily pause public programming for the duration of the project.
The Egg’s Executive Director Diane Eber said, “The Egg is thrilled to embark on this transformative moment, which offers a unique opportunity to reflect on our storied past as we shape an even brighter future. These essential upgrades have been meticulously planned over many years to ensure they meet the evolving needs of the performing arts industry, while staying true to the venue’s rich legacy. We remain deeply committed to preserving what generations have cherished about The Egg. These upgrades are designed to enhance your experience, not reinvent it, and will ensure that we can endure for decades to come.”
The Egg extends its sincere thanks to New York State Governor Kathy Hochul and her staff for their ongoing support in maintaining The Egg’s legacy as a gathering place for important moments in New York State’s history and future.
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About The Egg
The Egg is a performing arts center located in Albany, NY’s Empire State Plaza. An unmistakable feature of the capital city’s skyline, the venue houses two theatres encased in a domed, egg-like concrete structure that took 12 years to construct and was completed in 1978. The Egg presents music, art, theatre, comedy, dance and family entertainment year-round.
“The Egg” itself is managed by the Nelson A. Rockefeller Empire State Plaza Performing Arts Center Corporation. This entity was established to present quality performances, accessible to all citizens of New York State, and highlight the unique and extraordinary artists from New York State, across the country and around the globe. Through partnerships and collaborations, the Corporation presents performances, spotlights emerging artists, fosters relationships with resident companies, and enhances activities in cultural and arts education.
The Nelson A. Rockefeller Empire State Plaza Performing Arts Center Corporation is a Public Authority of the State of New York and a not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization. The facility is owned by the State and maintained by the Office of General Services (OGS).