Josie Robertson Plaza

The Josie Robertson Plaza serves as the grand entrance to the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. It acts as an elevated stage where the Metropolitan Opera House, David Geffen Hall, and the David Koch Theater converge. The space was designed by architects Philip Johnson, Wallace K. Harrison, and Max Abramovitz, and it functions as a central axis for the entire cultural campus. The plaza is named in honor of Josephine Tucker Robertson, a dedicated philanthropist who supported many of New York City's artistic and charitable institutions. Her husband, Julian Robertson, made a twenty-five million dollar contribution to the institution, which remains the largest single gift ever given by an individual to the Lincoln Center. This endowment established a fund to support the center's artistic programs and ensure the long-term stability of its constituent organizations. At the heart of the plaza sits the iconic Revson Fountain, which was named for cosmetics executive Charles Revson. The fountain is an engineering marvel that features hundreds of jets capable of shooting water up to forty feet into the air. These water displays are computer-choreographed to shift in patterns, sometimes even reacting to light and sound. The fountain has appeared in numerous films, including Moonstruck and Ghostbusters, solidifying its status as a cinematic symbol of the city.