Zoellner Arts Center
Since its debut in 1997, Lehigh University’s Zoellner Arts Center has served as a premier cultural destination in the Lehigh Valley and a creative hub for future makers on campus. A masterwork of design by Philadelphia architects Dagit Saylor, the center is the vibrant home of the Departments of Music and Theatre, the Lehigh University Art Galleries, and a world-class Presenting Series with Lehigh students enjoying free tickets to performances.
With over one million visitors welcomed through its doors, the center has become a cornerstone of cultural excellence on campus and in the community. Its stages have been graced by an illustrious roster of global icons, including Yo-Yo Ma, the New York Philharmonic, Tony Bennett, and Morgan Freeman, as well as distinguished speakers such as Sally Ride, Colson Whitehead, Rev. Jesse Jackson, Arun Gandhi, Liz Cheney, Katie Couric, former British Prime Minister Theresa May, and many others.
The facility is designed to transform every performance into an unforgettable experience. The center features:
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Baker Hall: A breathtaking 1,000-seat proscenium theater.
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Diamond Theater: An intimate, 300-seat thrust stage.
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Fowler Black Box Theatre: A flexible, 125-seat space for experimental innovation.
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LUAG: The Art Galleries two-story exhibition space
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Academic Spaces: recording studio, scene shop, practice rooms, and classrooms.
Each year, Zoellner hosts upwards of 250 events, many of which feature world-class artists as well as Lehigh students in concerts and plays. From major theatrical productions to the esteemed Bach Choir of Bethlehem, the center provides a communal space for over 75,000 annual attendees.
As part of Lehigh’s commitment to the Shared Bethlehem Experience, the center’s mission strives to make the arts accessible to all. Through dedicated educational outreach, over 125,000 schoolchildren have been introduced to the magic of live performance. Our commitment to inclusivity is reflected in relaxed performances, well-being concerts, and a specially curated family series, created in partnership with organizations like the Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital, the Kellyn Foundation, and the United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley, to ensure a welcoming environment for all.
Zoellner Arts Center doesn’t just host performances—it fosters the conversations, education, culture, and connections that move our community forward.
