PostGazette: It started life in 1927, billed in a newspaper ad as "a Temple of Cinema" dedicated to "the advancement of the art of silent drama."
Forty-three years later, the faded rococo movie palace that had been Loew's Penn Theatre -- the largest in the state, seating 4,000 people -- was rescued from the wrecking ball by one of Pittsburgh's solid citizens and became Heinz Hall for the Performing Arts, where the art was anything but silent.
3 comments:
I think this article does a good job of describing Pittsburgh's history: working class men and women who have, over time, created a well-rounded city with a great foundation for the arts. There are definitely many other cities like this, but I am always impressed at the long history this city has has in promoting the arts. Without this, Heinz Hall, which the article states was saved from the wrecking ball, would not be the historical center for the arts that it is today.
It is important to fight and save these historical buildings from being destroyed. Places where such important growth in art forms have occurred need to be cherished so that generations after us can enjoy them as well. Famous performances have taken place and now there can be more and more to come, such as the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, who might not be where they are if it wasn’t for having Heinz Hall to practice and perform in. It is great to know that there are people out there willing to protest for places such as the Heinz Hall so that we can enjoy what history has been made rather that just leave in it the past.
I think its important that people are visionary enough to try and do something like building such an upscale building it what was once not such a nice area. I'm sure many argued that no one would come because of the environment, but look what happened. Instead of Heinz Hall failing because of the area Heinz Hall was a good influence and now that area of Pittsburgh is the Cultural District. I can't help thinking that the Cultural climate of Pittsburgh maybe drastically different if it weren't for Jack Heinz, and men like him, working for the arts.
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