UPPER WEST SIDE — A new performing arts "Hall of Fame" proposed by Lincoln Center to sit on public land at the center of the campus got some pushback from local leaders concerned about it being too "gimmicky," but they eventually threw their support behind the plan.
Officially named “Legends at Lincoln Center: The Performing Arts Hall of Fame,” the proposed interactive outdoor museum would teach visitors about great performers and people who had an impact on the formation of the arts center — from ballet choreographer George Balanchine to composer Leonard Bernstein.
The granite pavers around the iconic Revson Fountain would be inset with the name of each person featured in the hall of fame, as well as a corresponding digital "thumbprint," similar to a QR code. Visitors would have to download a mobile phone app in order to read the digital thumbprints scattered around the perimeter of the fountain and the plaza.
In addition to traditional biographical and historical information, the thumbprints would also convey more quotidian facts about these great artists — like ballet choreographer Jerome Robbins, for example — in order to introduce such "legends" to a wider audience and make them relatable, said Mary Costa, the executive director of the project.
Each year, a new class of inductees would be added to the ongoing project until the entire plaza is filled, said Costa. Not every single paver would be inscribed in order to achieve a scattered look, she said.
"We want visitors to say 'wow I didn’t know this was here; I didn’t know Lincoln Center could be like this,'” said Costa during a presentation at Community Board 7 Monday.
Board members and residents scoffed, however, at the idea of grounding the entire hall of fame in mobile app technology that may be outdated in a matter of years.
"It’s a big investment and an awful lot of cutting into new stone work for technology that may not be available in five years let alone 50," said Klari Neuwelt, chair of CB 7's Parks Committee.
Several other members agreed that the technology choice could be become problematic very soon.
"We may think that we’re on the edge and leading the world [technologically]…. but where will be in five or ten years? ...We want to make sure this has lasting value and educational impact for many years to come," said board member Meisha Hunter.
And board member Brian Jenks didn't like the assumption that everyone could use easily use an app.
"There’s going to be a whole host of people who aren’t going to have access to a mobile device," he said.
Neuwelt also objected to the idea as a whole.
"I think this is very gimmicky, this hall of fame thing. It’s just gimmicky. Why do it?" she said.
Others didn't share her objections and found it interesting enough and harmless as an idea since it wouldn't use any new signage or other physical objects other than inscriptions in the pavement.
The Parks Department and several board members favor a second design also presented by Lincoln Center staff Monday that offers a slight variation. Instead of having the names radiate out from the fountain, they'd be placed along the perimeter of the plaza in order not to interfere with its look at all.
"We thought maybe the second option is a little more respectful of that clean, modern design," said Nancy Prince, Deputy Chief of Design for Capital Projects at the Parks Department.
Both designs will get presented by Lincoln Center to the Public Design Commission, which has to approve the project because it's planned for a public space. The PDC hearing will be held either in February or March said Costa.
The Parks Committee decided not to weigh in on which design it preferred but passed a resolution supporting the hall of fame generally, despite its concerns.
