A Bold Vision for the Future

Master Plan

Philadelphia, PA

The Mann Center for the Performing Arts is one of the country’s largest non-profit open-air music centers, presenting world-class artists in historic Fairmount Park and hosting more than 200,000 visitors each year. Having concluded work within the original master plan developed over 20 years ago, the Mann Center wanted to create a new master plan that identifies strategic opportunities for future growth that accommodates changes in the performing arts market. EwingCole’s new master plan is a bold 20-year vision that seeks to provide a 21st Century guest experience and expand the Mann’s entertainment, education, and community programs. The plan seamlessly integrates building and landscape, creating occupiable green roof terraces that maximize green space, keep the guests connected with nature, and maintain vistas to the performance stages and the city skyline. The formerly-compact, asphalt entry plaza is expanded into a more gracious entry garden promenade adorned with fountains, signage photo opportunities, and diversified with new food and beverage offerings such as a new wine and craft cocktail bar in the location of the former box office. Additional features include a permanent Skyline Stage for shows with a 7,000-guest capacity, a new donor’s lounge and VIP amenities, and traffic and parking upgrades outside the Mann Center gates to improve the entry/departure experience through West Fairmount Park.