Bethel Woods Center for the Arts

The Gerry Foundation – a not-for-profit organization established to help stimulate economic activity and revitalization in Sullivan County, New York – developed the Bethel Woods complex. Located on the original site of the 1969 Woodstock Music and Art Fair, Bethel Woods aims to preserve the historic concert site as a vibrant, cultural destination dedicated to inspiring and educating individuals through the arts and humanities. The lush, 800-acre campus includes a pavilion stage amphitheater, indoor event gallery, museum, conservatory for arts and educational programming and parking facilities.

The Museum at Bethel Woods features a series of interactive exhibits and programs addressing the story of the social, political and cultural events of the 1960s, culminating with the Woodstock Festival. The 40,000 sf building is built using a variety of materials, including locally-quarried stone, copper and laminate wood, to reflect the rural character of the surrounding landscape. The project includes a main exhibit gallery, special exhibit gallery, 130-seat theater, classrooms, event space and museum shop.

Role + Responsibilities

The Gerry Foundation engaged Zubatkin to manage the overall planning and approvals strategy and to oversee the design and construction for the implementation of the Bethel Woods complex. Following the completion of the performing arts facility, attention was given to the development and fit-out of the Museum. Drawing on the firm’s experience in developing new, start-up facilities, the Zubatkin team assisted the Gerry Foundation in all aspects of the Museum’s development – from the design, exhibits and construction to start-up operations. Zubatkin also provided the financial controls, public funding administration and project reporting. The firm’s In-House Technical Group was instrumental in reviewing drawings, resolving technical issues and change management.

Related Projects

National Museum of Mathematics (MoMath)

USGA Museum

Bethel Woods Center for the Arts

Performing Arts Facility