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The New Jersey Symphony and Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop announced a new project that will establish the symphony’s permanent home and a performance hall in the downtown Powerhouse Arts District.

According to officials, the Aug. 21 announcement marks an important landmark for both partners.

“This represents a significant milestone in Jersey City’s cultural evolution, creating a key destination for our region with a permanent space for world-class performances and community-driven initiatives,” said Fulop. “We started these conversations over a year ago, and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome the New Jersey Symphony to their new home in Jersey City.”

“I am thrilled to see the Symphony Center project come to fruition,” said NJ Symphony President and CEO Gabriel van Aalst. “Having a home to call our own will allow us to expand on the many impactful education and community programs for which the Symphony is well-known throughout the state, with new entertainment options that the residents of Jersey City, Hudson County and beyond are sure to enjoy.”

Key aspects of the 44,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art Symphony Center project include:

• A multipurpose 550-seat theater
• Space for education and community programs
• 8,000 square feet for administrative offices
• Permanent space for artistic, educational and community offerings throughout Jersey City and Hudson County
• Funding for the interior design and improvements to the theater space will draw from public and private philanthropic support

Toll Brothers will construct the center. The project expects to open in spring 2026. Its location at the corner of Provost Street and Morgan Street in the Powerhouse Arts District is just two blocks from the PATH Grove Street station and Hudson-Bergen Light Rail.

Currently NJ Symphony lists an administrative office in Newark on its website. The group performs at venues across the state, including New Jersey Performing Arts Center, State Theatre New Jersey in New Brunswick, Richardson Auditorium on Princeton University campus, the Mayo Performing Arts Center in Morristown and Count Basie Center for the Arts in Red Bank.

“In addition to being a home for rehearsals and performances by our musicians and icons of the classical music world, we can’t wait to introduce audiences to performances from a broad range of performing arts and collaborate with local Jersey City artists and arts organizations,” said van Aalst. “When patrons enter the theater for the first time, they will immediately recognize that there is no other space like this in Jersey City – and will realize the full potential and cultural value it brings to the community.”

A ‘premier’ destination

“I am very excited for the Symphony Center and the many opportunities the new venue will make possible for the organization,” said Music Director Xian Zhang. “It will provide a space for artistic innovation and growth and expand the Symphony’s artistic offerings that communities across New Jersey have enjoyed for than a century.”

“With both public and private support, the Jersey City project will enable the Symphony for the first time in its 102-year history to have a rehearsal and concert space that is operated by the organization,” said co-chairs of the New Jersey Symphony board of trustees, Craig Silliman and Bob Garrett.

“This partnership introduces a whole new art form to our community,” said Christine Goodman, director of the office of cultural affairs. “We can now offer impactful symphonic music to inspire and educate our youth while elevating Jersey City as a premier destination for arts and culture.”

Jersey City officials say the new Symphony Center will serve as an economic accelerator in the Powerhouse Arts District. The venue will attract people to dine and shop as well as for entertainment and to experience a wide range of cultural offerings, according to the city.

“This new endeavor will enhance our economic and cultural landscape and, more importantly, offer unparalleled opportunities to our residents and community,” said Fulop.