PHILADELPHIA, PA — The Mann Center for the Performing Arts is embarking on its most ambitious fundraising effort to date with the public launch of a $70 million campaign, The Mann @ 50: Historic Legacy, Bold Vision. This initiative is aimed at enhancing the audience experience, supporting ambitious artistic programming, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of one of Philadelphia’s cultural cornerstones.
The campaign has already amassed over $56 million, accounting for 80% of its goal, through contributions from more than 50 public, private, and philanthropic partners. “Turning 50 happens once in a lifetime, and the Mann is celebrating with a vision that both matches the moment and strengthens us with a sustainable position for future generations of audiences and artists,” said Catherine M. Cahill, President and CEO of the Mann. “This campaign is about honoring the past, but more importantly, it’s about building for the next 50 years—making sure the Mann remains a dynamic, inclusive, and world-class destination for arts, culture, and community.”
A Reimagined Plaza to Transform the Visitor Experience
A major feature of the campaign is the reimagined, 46,000-square-foot plaza that will more than triple the size of the Mann’s current entry area. This will be the venue’s largest infrastructure enhancement since its opening. The new plaza will boast a grand entry canopy, a state-of-the-art Welcome Center, an interactive Mann Music Hall of Fame, and a gift shop.
Other notable additions include the Satell Centennial Wall East, described as a “groundbreaker in terms of advancing technology and production ability to enhance the experience for all,” according to Ed Satell, founder and chair of the Satell Institute. Funded by the Satell Family Foundation, the installation will display dynamic digital content and cultural productions. Enhanced ticketing services, ADA accessibility updates, expanded restrooms, concessions, and a permanent outdoor bar will also improve the overall experience for visitors.
Celebratory Programming for 2026
To mark both its 50th anniversary and the United States’ 250th birthday, the Mann will present an exceptional lineup of programming in 2026. Signature events will include the following performances with the Mann’s resident companies:
- A Hundred Years On: This world-premiere composition by GRAMMY-nominated composer Peter Boyer and Pulitzer Prize-winning librettist Mark Campbell celebrates Philadelphia’s role in the 1876 Centennial Exposition.
- 50 Years of Music in the Park: Featuring timeless works by Beethoven, Brahms, and Rachmaninoff, this performance honors the Mann’s inaugural concerts in 1976, with The Philadelphia Orchestra paying homage to its history.
- The Four Seasons Reimagined: A groundbreaking collaboration between the Mann, BalletX, and ArtPhilly, set to a newly commissioned score by composer Dan Deacon. The production explores environmental themes through vibrant choreography and music.
Additionally, a new partnership with Mural Arts Philadelphia will bring a large-scale community mural to the Mann’s campus, featuring local West Philadelphia artists. This initiative aims to unite the community while adding a lasting visual tribute to the milestone year.
Investing in the Future
Beyond the reimagined plaza and anniversary programming, campaign funds are being directed toward the renovation of backstage facilities, ongoing campus maintenance, the permanent Highmark Skyline Stage, and strengthening the Mann’s endowment to support future sustainability efforts. The Mann’s education programs will also benefit, expanding under the new Mann Center Institute for Creative Arts & Community Impact.
“We’ve been steadily and thoughtfully planning for this moment for years—when Philadelphia will again be on the world stage,” noted Cahill. “Through this campaign, we’re ensuring that the Mann is ready to welcome the region and the world to our beautiful campus in Fairmount Park in 2026 and far beyond.”
With an ambitious blueprint to transform its future and celebrate its history, the Mann is cementing its status as an essential cultural and community institution in Philadelphia. For more information or to support the campaign, visit manncenter.org.
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