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In 2018 we began with a single idea — to improve your patron experience at The Z. Five years later, our desire for new seating and better bathrooms has grown into an ambitious historic restoration and renovation project that will usher the 100-year-old building into the next century. Our vision will transform The Z into a stunning state-of-the-art facility and a community living room bustling with activity and welcoming to all.
Soon we’ll embark on a 14-to-18-month transformation. During that time, historic elements will be fully restored and unused spaces will be given new life.
When The Z re-opens, you'll experience new seats, a new sound system, and improved bathrooms. You’ll also find an expanded lobby, a glorious marquee and more space for community connection and creative expression.
100 years after the Zeiterion first opened its doors, and 40 years since its last major renovation, we are well on our way to making this vision a reality - but we’re not there yet.
Even though we are off to a great start, we will need your help before our next act begins.
Support the restoration and renovation
of the historic Zeiterion Performing Arts Center.
Established 1923
Reimagined 2023
Let’s go beyond 100!
The Exterior
A new, historically appropriate marquee will be returned to the façade for the first time since the mid-century. The box office moves to the front of the building, improving the buying experience and creating a dynamic street presence.
The Theater
The theater will be restored top-to-bottom with modern comforts, including new seats and restrooms, accessibility upgrades, and improved sound and lighting, while maintaining the historic theater’s charm.
Upper Lobby
A complete transformation of the lobby will allow for increased flow in and out of the theater, as well as expanded restrooms and additional gathering space for patrons during performances and beyond.
Second Floor Lounge
A new location for a supporter lounge, gathering space, and multi-function event room. It will feature an additional concession area and will connect to the main lobby for easy access to the theater.
Movement Studio
Increasing our capacity for learning opportunities, this dedicated rehearsal and classroom space has acoustic isolation considerations so instruction will not be affected by performances inside the theater.
Speakeasy Lounge
An exciting addition to the Zeiterion, the Speakeasy Lounge offers another performance space for smaller, more intimate shows – as well as community gatherings, rental opportunities, and more.
Secretary of State William Galvin said, "The commonwealth’s investment in the historic Zeiterion Theater will ensure that people will be able to admire and enjoy this historic venue for years to come."
Crews begin A to Z upgrade for city’s storied theater
New Bedford Light | Arthur Hirsch | July 8, 2024
Another 100 years: Zeiterion Theatre rebirth celebrated in New Bedford with groundbreaking
Standard Times | Frank Mulligan | July 1, 2024 (Updated July 9, 2024)
The Zeiterion is closing for renovations soon
Standard Times | Seth Chitwood | July 25, 2023
Historic Zeiterion Theatre in New Bedford to undergo renovations
WPRI | March 29, 2023
Zeiterion project a boon to arts, entertainment and the economy
Standard Times | Frank Mulligan | February 1, 2023
A peek inside
New Bedford Light | Joanna McQuillan Weeks | January 2, 2023
"It’s going to be a state-of-the-art, world-class performing arts center with all the amenities and all the conveniences that people should be able to enjoy...” David Prentiss, NEW BEDFORD SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA, president and CEO.
– Mayor Jon Mitchell
Colantonio, Inc., based in Holliston, MA, has been named the general contractor for this transformational project.
After a months-long public procurement process, Colantonio, Inc. has been named the general contractor for this transformational project. We are excited to welcome Colantonio to the team! You can learn more about their experience here.
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The Z breaks ground!
On June 28, we hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for the restoration and renovation. The event, held under a tent outside the Zeiterion, celebrated the project and thanked the public for their support in making this transformative project a reality. It was attended by nearly two hundred community members, arts and culture advocates, and legislators. It concluded with leadership opting to smash a ceremonial wall instead of shoveling dirt to signify that we’re reimaging old traditions for the new Zeiterion.
The program included remarks from Zeiterion President & CEO Rosemary Gill, Mayor of the City of New Bedford Jon Mitchell, Representative Chris Hendricks, Representative Antonio Cabral, Senator Mark Montigny, Senator Michael Rodrigues, Kate Fox from Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism, campaign co-chairs Deborah Baker and Joseph Nauman, and Zeiterion board chair Frank Almeida.
Crews begin A to Z upgrade for city’s storied theater
New Bedford Light | Arthur Hirsch | July 8, 2024
Another 100 years: Zeiterion Theatre rebirth celebrated in New Bedford with groundbreaking
Standard Times | Frank Mulligan | July 1, 2024 (Updated July 9, 2024)
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