Encore

support the next act of a baltimore TRIUMPH

The finale of the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center’s renovation. Want to get involved? Here’s how.

Become a Donor

Welcome to the reimagining of the M&T Bank Pavilion.


Once completed, this proposed state-of-the-art community event center will be a beacon for all Marylanders to come together. With the resounding success of The Hippodrome Theatre, it is now time to complete the center — with your help.

Pending

Current Interior of the M&T Bank Pavilion 2018

Rendering of renovated M&T Bank Pavilion

Prologue

In the 1990s, the state of Maryland acquired the historic Hippodrome Theatre as well as the three adjacent buildings and combined them to create the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center. In addition to the Hippodrome Theatre, a second performance venue was planned but never completed. Initially constructed as the Eutaw Savings Bank, circa 1881, and now known as the M&T Bank Pavilion, the building has sat virtually unused since the Performing Arts Center reopened in 2004. Now is the time to complete the project with the renovation of the M&T Bank Pavilion. Together we will create a much-needed, accessible and affordable resource for arts, entertainment and education for students, community members and all Marylanders.

The Plot

Convert the former M&T Bank Pavilion, currently 5,395 sq. ft., into a state-of-the-art 12,000 sq. ft. flexible performance and event space for the Maryland community.

Our Motivation

  • TO INCREASE the accessibility and diversity of the performing arts in Baltimore, with lower ticket prices to welcome new audiences to take part
  • TO CREATE an affordable venue for small cultural organizations
  • TO EXPAND Hippodrome Foundation educational programming for Maryland students
  • TO SERVE an additional 100,000 patrons per year, a 40% increase, while making efficient use of the FMPAC’s existing infrastructure
  • TO REVITALIZE an important area of the city and provide jobs to the local community — a win for Baltimore

With an investment of $12 million,

the renovation of the M&T Bank Pavilion will be completed within one year of the groundbreaking, creating a positive and immediate impact for the community.

The Scene

A COMPLETE RENOVATION — Starting in 2015, the Hippodrome Foundation commissioned a two-year feasibility study that concluded there is substantial need and demand for the proposed renovation. The capacity, flexibility and technology will be unique to any space within a 100-mile radius. In keeping with the mission of the foundation, a reimagined M&T Bank Pavilion will allow thousands of additional students to have access to the arts.

The Scene

Casting Call

The Hippodrome Foundation is dedicated to fulfilling the state of Maryland’s original vision for the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center. With your support, we will raise the curtains on a great new chapter in Baltimore theater.

For information about naming opportunities or to become involved, please contact Olive Waxter at olivew@hippodromefoundation.org or 410.727.7787 ext. 104.

Become a Donor

Our vision is to provide the community with a flexible, state-of-the-art event center that is designed to be affordable for a much larger cross-section of our community. This enhancement will be paramount to the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center’s future success and outreach. In addition, the Hippodrome Foundation will expand its programming exponentially, allowing for the creation of more opportunities for Maryland students.”

Wally Pinkard

Chairman of the hippodrome foundation

A Baltimore Success Story

In the 1990s, the state of Maryland acquired the historic Hippodrome Theatre as well as the three adjacent buildings and combined them to create the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center.

For information about naming opportunities or to become involved, please contact Olive Waxter at olivew@hippodromefoundation.org or 410.727.7787 ext. 104.

  • A renovated 2,286-seat theater that reopened in February 2004 at a cost of $70 million
  • Has contributed more than $280 million in economic benefit to Baltimore and Maryland
  • Over 2 million visitors since 2004 — with patrons from every zip code in Maryland
  • Welcomes blockbuster Broadway Shows including Wicked, The Lion King, The Phantom of the Opera and Hamilton
  • A successful public/private partnership overseen by the Maryland Stadium Authority