Brooklyn Academy of Music

The Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) serves as a premier performing arts center in Downtown Brooklyn, defined by two distinct venues: the historic BAM Theater and the contemporary BAM Harvey Theater. These buildings are unified by a pedestrian plaza and a rich program of performance, film, and education.

Architecture: BAM Theater

The BAM Theater is a prominent 1913 landmark that embodies classic theater architecture. The auditorium features a proscenium arch, a grand staircase, and a tiered seating arrangement that creates a focused, intimate volume. The theatre’s backstage is an intricate network of wings, a fly gallery, and a dressing room wing, all of which were preserved during the theatre’s restoration. The proscenium arch remains a defining architectural feature, framing the stage and the ornate auditorium. The historic fabric of the auditorium, including its plasterwork and chandeliers, was restored and modernized with updated lighting and sound systems.

Planning: BAM Harvey Theater

The BAM Harvey Theater was added in the 1990s as a complementary venue for film, lecture, and dance. It has a different seating and stage configuration than the BAM Theater, with a smaller proscenium and a more intimate auditorium. The theatre is also equipped with a projection booth and a screen, making it a versatile space for a wide range of programming.

Urban Planning: The Campus and Pedestrian Plaza

The two theatres are situated on a pedestrian plaza that acts as a transition between the buildings and the street. The plaza is designed to be a public space, with seating, signage, and greenery that encourages engagement and community activity. The campus is also accessible via several subway and bus lines, making it a multimodal hub for audiences from across the city.

Programming and Community Engagement

BAM’s programming is diverse, ranging from classical music and dance to film, theater, and education. BAM Education offers classes and workshops for children and adults, while BAM’s community engagement initiatives bring the arts to the local neighborhood through outreach and artist residencies.

Accessibility and Planning

Both buildings are ADA compliant, with ramps, elevators, and accessible seating and restrooms. The campus is also designed for pedestrian flow, with clear signage and a barrier-free environment that welcomes audiences of all abilities.