October 23, 2019

Bringing the Lounge below Neidorff-Karpati Hall back to its original glory

When Neidorff-Karpati Hall was built in 1931 by Arthur Harmon of the architectural firm Shreve, Lamb and Harmon who designed the Empire State Building, the hall included a downstairs lounge with public restroom facilities, located below the internal lobby of the theater.

Over the years the lounge area fell into disrepair, floods rendered the space unusable, and it was closed in the 2000s.

Nearly two decades later and one year after the reopening of the magnificent Neidorff-Karpati Hall after a 16-month, $15-million renovation, the hall’s lounge is being brought back to its original Art Deco splendor. This newest renovation is the result of another generous gift from Noémi K. and Michael Neidorff, who contributed the anchor gift that made the hall renovation possible.

Unveiling planned for end of fall 2019 season

The Neidorff-Karpati Hall lounge is slated to open later this academic year and will maintain the feel of its original design, featuring additional Art Deco-inspired detail and furnishings.

The newly reopened space will provide needed relief from congestion in MSM’s “upstairs” restrooms during the season’s busiest performances, but it will also bear a look and feel that is worthy of the beauty of our main hall.

Thank you for your generosity, Noémi and Michael!