Kleinhans Music Hall

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Kleinhans Music Hall
(U.S. National Historic Landmark)
Kleinhans Music Hall at night
Kleinhans Music Hall at night
Location: Buffalo, New York
Coordinates: 42°54′07″N 78°53′01″W / 42.90194, -78.88361Coordinates: 42°54′07″N 78°53′01″W / 42.90194, -78.88361
Built/Founded: 1938-40[1]
Architect: Eero Saarinen, Eliel Saarinen[1][2]
Architectural style(s): International Style[2]
Designated as NHL: June 30, 1989 [3]
Added to NRHP: June 29, 1989[4]
NRHP Reference#: 89001235[2]
Governing body: Private

Kleinhans Music Hall, home of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, was built in the late 1930s and opened October 1940. The music hall was built as a part of the last will and testament of Edward L. and Mary Seaton Kleinhans. The couple left close to 1 million dollars for the music hall's construction. The building was designed by Eliel Saarinen with his son, Eero Saarinen and "was recognized as one of the greatest concert halls ever built in the United States".[5]

In 1934, when it was determined a music hall was to be built, and it was assumed the much experienced and local architect, Edward B. Green would get the job. In 1935, Green submitted a neoclassical design combining the styles of Symphony Hall in Boston and Severance Hall in Cleveland. Green planned to have the hall attached to the Museum of Science. It was later decided the hall would be constructed at the site of Truman Avery's mansion (to be demolished) on the circle at Richmond and Porter Avenues (known as Symphony Circle).[5]

George F. Rand, the chairman of the Buffalo Foundation (the Kleinhans' executors), liked the works of local architects and brothers, F.J. and William Kidd. (The Kidd brothers designed Buffalo's Rand Building, built in 1929 and located at Lafayette Square). In May 1938, the brothers were hired as architects for the music hall. However, their designs were criticized by Esther Link who had been shown the Kidd drawings by Buffalo Foundation lawyer, Edward P. Letchworth. Link, without any formal architectural education, was a high school music teacher who travelled Europe and had a strong background with architects and artists. She was an admirer of architect Eliel Saarinen particularly for his design of the central railroad terminal in Helsinki. In July 1938, upon Letchworth's request, Link drafted a letter detailing her passion for Saarnien's work and the future of Kleinhans music hall. The Buffalo Foundation agreed to offer Saarnien the position of consultant. Saarnien declined. Letchworth did not want to undermine Rand and the Kidd brothers. In September 1938, Letchworth met with Saarnien and his son Eero, and the Kidd Firm. They all agreed that Saarnien would be "designing architect" while Kidd would oversee the project. Saarnien quickly submitted his design one month later.[5]

It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1989.[3][6]

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b Kleinhans Music Hall. Buffalo Architecture and History (2007-02-23).
  2. ^ a b c National Register of Historical Places - New York (NY), Erie County. National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service (2007-02-23).
  3. ^ a b Kleinhans Music Hall. National Historic Landmark summary listing. National Park Service (2007-09-15).
  4. ^ National Register Information System. National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service (2007-01-23).
  5. ^ a b c City on the Edge, Buffalo, NY. Goldman, Mark. 2007.
  6. ^ Carolyn Pitts (February 9, 1989), National Register of Historic Places Inventory-Nomination: Kleinhans Music HallPDF (1.02 MiB), National Park Service  and Accompanying 4 photos, plan, exterior, and interior, from c.1938, c.1945 and 1978.PDF (601 KiB)

[edit] External links

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