Following six months of significant interior renovations, marking the first comprehensive improvement project since the facility opened in 1976, The Nelson A. Rockefeller Empire State Plaza Performing Arts Center, best known as The Egg, will officially reopen its doors with a ribbon cutting on Thursday, January 8, 2026, unveiling a refreshed, reimagined space that honors the building’s history while preparing it for the next chapter.
The January 8 morning ribbon cutting will mark the first unveiling of the nearly $20 million capital project led by the New York State Office of General Services (OGS). The renovation is the first major interior overhaul in The Egg’s nearly 50-year history.
New York’s Egg is ready to be hatched, and January 8 is not just the reopening of a building; it is the beginning of a new chapter for Albany and for New York state. Our goal is to return to The Egg’s original promise as a statewide performing arts center while reimagining what it can be in the 21st century — a place where art happens with no straight lines, where coming here is an experience, not just a show. We truly would not be here in this moment without Governor Hochul’s support.
Diane Eber, executive director of The Egg.
By replacing aging infrastructure and upgrading key systems, the project positions The Egg to host a wider range of performances and presentations while improving comfort, safety and accessibility for audiences and artists alike.
Photos shared in August by the Office of General Services shows some of the efforts to modernize The Egg, including ripping up carpet, repairing handrails, replacing seats and lights, as well as creating a space that expands accessibility for all to enjoy programming at The Egg.
The work modernizes The Egg’s theatrical and public spaces, including new seating, carpets and lighting throughout the building; a state-of-the-art, fully LED automated theatrical lighting system; expanded accessible seating and upgraded restrooms in both theaters; and a new induction loop assistive listening system that transmits sound directly to hearing aids, cochlear implants or portable devices.
Following the ceremonial ribbon cutting in the morning, The Egg is inviting the public to attend a free “hatching” celebration from 6 to 8 p.m. on January 8, giving all New Yorkers the opportunity to be among the first to experience the renewed space. Guests will be able to explore the building, take in the upgrades, raise a glass, and enjoy music from local favorite DJ Hollyw8d along with an aerial performance from Albany’s own Good Karma Studio.
The events on January 8 will kick off a new era for The Egg, as the performing arts center prepares to roll out a full season of programming that reflects its evolving vision: activating the entire building, welcoming new and longtime audiences, and establishing The Egg as a destination that cannot be duplicated anywhere else.
Learn more about The Egg’s history here.
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