The 2,750-seat Prudential Hall and 514-seat Victoria theatre comprise this world-class performing arts center, planned and designed as a home for the arts that would revitalize and transform downtown Newark. Almost a decade after construction, it has decidedly accomplished its mission. Hailed for its beauty and functionality, the complex includes two theatres, a rehearsal hall/banquet room, restaurants, offices, and shops. The main theatre is the principal venue for the New Jersey Symphony as well as for regional and international programs that include touring shows, jazz, drama, opera and dance. The smaller theatre showcases regional and community events, and is heavily used to bring special programs to New Jersey’s public school children.

Starting in 1989, FDA began working with the director and staff of the NJPAC to write an initial building program. Subsequently, we collaborated with architect Barton Myers and the acoustical firm Artec to design the large theatre as a functional, beautiful, and warm room. Equal attention was given to the smaller Victoria Theatre as well as to back-of-house areas – many filled with natural light – for the building’s production staff. The new facility has world-class rehearsal rooms, banquet facilities, a successful restaurant, and offices as well as private donor suites with box seating and bar and food service.