The Mann Center for the Performing Arts – Master Plan 1 (2004-2019)

The Mann Center for the Performing Arts (the Mann) is Philadelphia’s premier venue for summer musical, dance and theatrical entertainment. In 2004, the Mann initiated a master planning effort to examine the needs and related facility improvements necessary to meet the organization’s mission into the future, which established the scope and priority of renovations and expansions that should be made to the facility in phases as dictated by the constraints of the Mann’s debt capacity and fundraising capabilities.

Phase 1 provided improvements to vehicular access, a new entry gate and plaza, patron accessibility improvements to the overall venue including toilet facilities, expanded and improved concessions, and education and donor facilities.  It also included construction of new Tennis Courts at Parkside Evans Rec Center and removal of courts from the grounds of the Mann.

Phase 2 expanded the grounds of the Mann to provide an area at the top of the hill for a second “Skyline” stage for smaller, festival style performances, an expanded great lawn and promenade area, new terrace seating and improved audio and video capabilities.

Phases 3 & 4 focused on restoration of the Mann’s iconic pavilion roof along with implementing a series of customer experience improvements such as new seating, lighting, ventilation systems, house lighting and additional video capabilities.