Restoration of Jordan Hall
New England Conservatory of Music
Jordan Hall at the New England Conservatory of Music is renowned for its beauty, intimacy, and outstanding acoustics. First opened in 1903, Jordan Hall has long been recognized as one of the nation’s most important concert halls.
“Because this Hall is so important, construction was to be conducted delicately. The operative words were preservation and restoration, not renovation.”
President
New England Conservatory
Aside from a minor cosmetic refurbishment in 1938, the hall had never undergone a substantial restoration. The result was that every summer, the facility was shut down for lack of air conditioning. The revitalization of this National Historic Landmark re-established the hall as a prime venue for performance, teaching, and recording and confirmed its role as the centerpiece of the New England Conservatory of Music. The intricate restoration included interior finishes, stage, and backstage alterations, and the seamless incorporation of modern lighting and state-of-the-art climate control systems. Today, Jordan Hall serves as a major center for musical performances in the Boston area, offering over 100 free concerts each year, in addition to serving as a classroom and rehearsal hall for over 750 New England Conservatory students.
Photo Credits: Nick Wheeler © Frances Loeb Library
LOCATION
Boston, MA
ARCHITECT
Ann Beha Architects
AWARDS
1996 Massachusetts Historical Commission Preservation Award
1996 Boston Preservation Alliance Award
1996 Victorian Society in America Preservation Commendation
1996 Illuminating Engineering Society of North America Award of Merit
1996 Illuminating Engineering Society Lumen Award