Welcome to Bethel Woods Center for the Arts: a non-profit cultural organization located at the historic site of the 1969 Woodstock festival.
Located 90 miles from New York City in Bethel, NY, our lush 800-acre campus includes a Pavilion Stage amphitheater with a seating capacity of 16,000, an intimate 422-seat indoor Event Gallery, the award-winning Museum at Bethel Woods, and a Conservatory for creative learning programs. As a 501(c)3 nonprofit cultural organization, our goal is to provide innovative, program-driven experiences for all ages.
Our History:
The story of Bethel Woods Center for the Arts begins with Alan Gerry, a born-and-raised resident of Liberty, NY.
- 1990s: Passionate about improving the quality of life in his beloved hometown, Gerry founded the Gerry Foundation with future plans of creating an arts center.
- 1998: After acquiring the land where the original Woodstock Music & Art Fair took place, the Gerry foundation produced the "Day in the Garden" music festival, reawakening the potential of the long-dormant site.
- 1999: Marked the 30th anniversary of the 1969 festival, and was celebrated with four days of music and entertainment. It was this anniversary celebration that solidified the need for a world-class entertainment and arts center.
- 2002: The architectural firm Westlake Reed Leskosky began designing a cultural and performing arts center that would become Bethel Woods Center for the Arts.
- 2006: The New York Philharmonic performed as the $150-million, multi-venue project opened for its inaugural season. Since then, legendary performers such as Elton John, Dave Matthews Band, Sting, Pitbull, Jimmy Buffet, Van Halen, Jason Aldean, Lady Gaga, and more took center stage!
- 2008: The Museum at Bethel Woods opens its doors, telling the story of the ’60s and the making of the music of the festival and its lasting legacy.
- 2012: Bethel Woods transformed from a project of the Gerry Foundation into a 501(c)3 public charity, governed by an independent board of trustees with Alan Gerry serving as Chairman of the Board. The Board of Directors continue to serve the community and the region, expanding its reach and impact thanks to the support of staff, volunteers, and supporters.
- Today: We offer year long programming in fulfillment of our mission to inspire, educate, and empower individuals through the arts and humanities.
