The Lied Center for Performing Arts at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln officially broke ground Feb. 10 on a $35 million privately funded addition and renovation designed to expand and modernize Nebraska’s premier performing arts venue.
Branded the “Building the Future” project, the initiative will introduce a striking new entrance along Q Street, enhanced lobby spaces, a dedicated studio theater and multiple infrastructure upgrades aimed at improving accessibility, audience flow and educational programming.
Construction preparations began in early February after approval from the University of Nebraska Board of Regents. Performances and programming will continue throughout construction, with completion anticipated in fall 2027.
Recognized during the groundbreaking ceremony were major benefactors supporting the transformative effort, including Acklie Charitable Foundation, The Johnny Carson Foundation, Anabeth Hormel Cox, D F Dillon Foundation, Sid Dillon, the Kelly and Virginia Holthus family, Glenn Korff Foundation, Doug and Vikki Kotil, NEBCO/Abel Foundation, Liana Sandin and The Pearle Francis Finigan Foundation, Rhonda Seacrest and Union Bank and Trust.
“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.”
University leaders emphasized that the project strengthens the institution’s land-grant mission by expanding access to arts education and cultural programming.
“The Lied Center has long been a vital force in Nebraska’s artistic and cultural landscape, serving as a gathering place and a gateway to the arts for the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and communities across our state,” said Dr. Jeffrey P. Gold, president of the University of Nebraska system. “This groundbreaking marks an exciting new chapter — one that will elevate the Lied’s role as a hub for discovery, connection and inspiration. I’m deeply grateful to the generous supporters who are helping us build the future, and I look forward to all that lies ahead for this extraordinary institution.”
The expansion and renovation will significantly reconfigure the building’s footprint and interior layout.
Addition:
An approximately 11,150-square-foot addition will rise on the building’s north side. It will feature a new studio theater designed for performances, workshops, arts education classes and rehearsals. The space will allow events to occur simultaneously with main-stage touring productions. The addition also includes a dressing room, shared foyer, enhanced Lied Commons and a new donor lounge. On the south side, a new entry lobby and ticket office will anchor the venue’s redesigned entrance along Q Street.
Renovation:
Roughly 25,250 square feet across all three levels of the existing facility will be upgraded to improve lobby functionality, circulation and accessibility, creating more welcoming gathering spaces for audiences and students alike.
The new studio theater is expected to deepen engagement with K-12 students and University of Nebraska–Lincoln performers, offering a flexible space for emerging artists and educational initiatives.
Opened in 1990, the Lied Center was championed by Woody Varner, Martin Massengale and E.N. “Jack” Thompson, with foundational support from the Lied Foundation Trust. Established through the generosity of Ernst F. Lied, the trust provided a $10 million challenge grant that was matched by the community, including contributions from more than 2,000 Nebraskans and alumni nationwide.
Over 35 years, the venue has sold more than 3.5 million tickets and hosted more than 2,500 artists on its main stage. More than 1.2 million students have participated in performances or educational programs. Today, the Lied serves over 200,000 people annually through performances, conferences and events, including its partnership with Lincoln’s Symphony Orchestra as orchestra in residence.
Attendance for the Lied’s curated performance season has doubled in the past decade, now exceeding 100,000 annually — a sign of growing demand for live arts experiences in Nebraska.
Ranked among the top 100 theaters in the world by Pollstar Magazine, the Lied Center regularly presents internationally acclaimed artists, including Yo-Yo Ma, Wynton Marsalis, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and leading Broadway touring productions. The center has also commissioned more than 25 new works since 1990, reinforcing its reputation as both presenter and creator.
Gifts supporting the expansion were made through the University of Nebraska Foundation. The renovation is a priority of “Only in Nebraska: A Campaign for Our University’s Future,” a historic initiative aiming to engage 150,000 benefactors and raise $3 billion in support of the university.
“The Lied Center is Nebraska’s home for the arts, and this project allows us to reimagine how our campus and community experience live performance. These upgrades will expand opportunities for students and artists, create more welcoming and functional spaces for audiences and ensure the Lied continues to inspire, uplift and bring people together for generations to come. We are grateful to the donors whose generosity makes this bold investment in creativity, connection and excellence possible.” — Katherine S. Ankerson, interim chancellor, University of Nebraska–Lincoln
“As a priority of the Only in Nebraska campaign, the Lied Center project invests in a Nebraska treasure, ensuring it can thrive as a premier performing arts destination well into the future. The Lied Center will continue to welcome the world’s greatest artists while inspiring students to learn and grow. This vision is made possible through the generosity of our incredible benefactors.” — Brian F. Hastings, president and CEO, University of Nebraska Foundation
“The Lied Center is one of the top performing arts centers in the nation. Each year, the Lied presents programs that can only be experienced in Lincoln, Nebraska — from collaborations with organizations such as American Ballet Theatre and the St. Louis Symphony to world-premiere works by artists like Danny Elfman, Philip Glass and emerging voices. This project supports the continued growth of distinctive, one-of-a-kind programming for Nebraska.” — Brent Korte, president, Lied Center Statewide Advisory Board
The project’s architect is HDR, and construction management is led by The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company, with Theatre Projects and Threshold serving as consultants.
With construction underway, university leaders say the renovation will position the Lied Center for decades of expanded artistic reach, deeper educational engagement and continued statewide impact.
Originally reported by Lied Center for Performing Arts in Nebraska Today.
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