Architects: Harrison & Abramovitz
Year: 1978
Photographs: Harrison & Abramovitz, Nitant23, Bob Keefer, Debra Millet, theegg.org, Paul Buckowski / Times Union, Courtesy of Wikipedia – Uploader’s Grandfather
City: Albany
Country: United States
The Egg performing arts venue, designed by Harrison & Abramovitz in Albany, New York, is a striking architectural feat that has become an icon of the Capital District. Completed in 1978 as part of the Empire State Plaza project, the building features a distinct egg-shaped form, resting on a small pedestal. Its Brutalist design emphasizes sculptural curves, with a stem extending six stories underground for structural support. Inside, two theatres—Lewis A. Swyer Theatre and Kitty Carlisle Hart Theatre—host various performances, adding to the cultural vibrancy of the venue. The building reflects Wallace Harrison’s modernist vision, furthering the legacy of the Empire State Plaza as a landmark development.
Constructed as part of the Empire State Plaza project, The Egg was built between 1966 and 1978. Its iconic egg-shaped form has made it a landmark of New York’s Capital District. The building’s design, largely seen as a brutalist architectural feat, reflects the modernist vision of architect Wallace Harrison, who worked closely with Governor Nelson A. Rockefeller on the broader development of the Plaza. The Empire State Plaza Performing Arts Center Corporation, a not-for-profit entity, manages The Egg, created in 1979 to handle the operations of the venue.
The Egg’s design is unique, appearing to float on a small pedestal. However, it is supported by a stem that extends six stories underground. A reinforced concrete girdle surrounds the structure, ensuring its strength and durability. The absence of sharp corners in both its interior and exterior contributes to its sculptural quality. The building’s curved exterior is reflected inside, where the walls gently curve upwards, meeting a concave ceiling that produces a celestial effect. Swiss pearwood veneer lines the interiors, adding warmth and enhancing the acoustics in the theatres.
The structure houses two theatres: the Lewis A. Swyer Theatre, seating 450, and the larger Kitty Carlisle Hart Theatre, with a capacity of 982. The Swyer Theatre is primarily used for chamber music, cabaret, and educational programming, while the Hart Theatre hosts larger productions, including concerts, musical theatre, and dance performances. A lounge area surrounding the Hart Theatre is used for seminars, receptions, and after-show events.
The Egg is part of the Rockefeller Empire State Plaza, a massive development that transformed Albany’s skyline. Harrison and Rockefeller designed the layout of the Plaza together, sketching out plans on Rockefeller’s private plane. The broader project cost approximately $2 billion (nearly $18 billion in today’s currency) due to delays and budget overruns. Today, the Plaza houses over 17,000 government employees and is home to several iconic state buildings.
In 1978, the Empire State Youth Theatre Institute became the first resident company at The Egg. Since then, a wide range of cultural programming has been hosted, including a 10-month season of theatre, dance, and other performing arts. Since 1990, the Ellen Sinopoli Dance Company, a modern dance company, has been in residence. Moreover, The Egg serves as the summer home of the Ajkun Ballet Theatre, based in New York City.
The venue draws diverse acts to Albany, ranging from music and dance to theatrical performances. Some of the notable artists who have performed at The Egg include Chaka Khan, Dave Chappelle, David Byrne, and Roger McGuinn. Its cultural significance extends into popular media as well. For instance, it was featured in a song by They Might Be Giants, titled “Albany,” and Mike Gordon of Phish recorded a live album there in 2011.
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Address: Agency Building 1, South Mall Arterial, Albany, New York 12203, United States
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