The Woodruff Arts Center officially kicked off its $67 million capital campaign on Aug. 6 to modernize its campus and create more accessible spaces for children’s learning and programming.
Plans are to transform the Rich Theatre into the Goizueta Stage for Youth & Families where programming by the Alliance Theatre and Atlanta Symphony Orchestra will be featured.
The PNC Foundation is also funding the PNC PlaySpace, an “experiential learning center” where children can enjoy free play and interactive performances at no cost to families.
The makeover includes modernizing and activating the Peachtree Street façade of the original Memorial Arts building at 1280 Peachtree St., between the Alliance Theatre and High Museum of Art. The upgrades include a glass storefront to serve as the new entry for both spaces.
An outdoor community green space, new lighting and better signage are also part of Woodruff Arts Center’s to “bring new life to our campus, expand access to our proven educational programming, and secure our place as Atlanta’s center for the arts,” according to officials.
Construction is slated to begin in mid-August with the new spaces set to open in January 2026.
The groundbreaking for the Woodruff Arts Center project did not take place outside with officials in hardhats tossing dirt from gold-plated shovels. Instead, art and play marked the moment, including children using large balloon hammers to knock down a wall.
