Holland Performing Arts Center

The Holland Performing Arts Center is a commanding symbol of Omaha's commitment to the performing arts and its ongoing cultural renaissance. The building is clad in zinc, copper and glass and is elevated above the ground plane. A glass clerestory fills the concert hall with natural light during the day and glows like an inviting beacon at night. The main concert hall is a contemporary interpretation of a shoebox hall. The narrow shape provides clarity and intimacy to the sound, allowing full, rich reverberation. The hall was designed for varied programming; acoustic conditions were modified to suit different performance types and a series of moveable platforms carried on three stage lifts allows various types of presentations. The design was a collaboration between HDR Architecture and Polshek Partnership Architects. They were joined by acoustic consultants Kirkegaard Associates and theater consultants Fisher Dachs Associates.