In 2018 we began with a single idea — to improve your patron experience at The Z. Five years later, our desire for new seating and better bathrooms has grown into an ambitious historic restoration and renovation project that will usher the 100-year-old building into the next century. Our vision will transform The Z into a stunning state-of-the-art facility and a community living room bustling with activity and welcoming to all.
We've embarked on a 14-to-18-month transformation. During this time, historic elements will be fully restored and unused spaces will be given new life.
When The Z re-opens, you'll experience new seats, a new sound system, and improved bathrooms. You’ll also find an expanded lobby, a glorious marquee and more space for community connection and creative expression.
100 years after the Zeiterion first opened its doors, and 40 years since its last major renovation, we are well on our way to making this vision a reality - but we’re not there yet.
Even though we are off to a great start, we will need your help before our next act begins.
Support the restoration and renovation
of the historic Zeiterion Performing Arts Center.
Established 1923
Reimagined 2023
Let’s go beyond 100!
The Exterior
A new, historically appropriate marquee will be returned to the façade for the first time since the mid-century. The box office moves to the front of the building, improving the buying experience and creating a dynamic street presence.
The Theater
The theater will be restored top-to-bottom with modern comforts, including new seats and restrooms, accessibility upgrades, and improved sound and lighting, while maintaining the historic theater’s charm.
Upper Lobby
A complete transformation of the lobby will allow for increased flow in and out of the theater, as well as expanded restrooms and additional gathering space for patrons during performances and beyond.
Second Floor Lounge
A new location for a supporter lounge, gathering space, and multi-function event room. It will feature an additional concession area and will connect to the main lobby for easy access to the theater.
Movement Studio
Increasing our capacity for learning opportunities, this dedicated rehearsal and classroom space has acoustic isolation considerations so instruction will not be affected by performances inside the theater.
Speakeasy Lounge
An exciting addition to the Zeiterion, the Speakeasy Lounge offers another performance space for smaller, more intimate shows – as well as community gatherings, rental opportunities, and more.
– William Galvin
Secretary of State
Crews begin A to Z upgrade for city’s storied theater
New Bedford Light | Arthur Hirsch | July 8, 2024
Another 100 years: Zeiterion Theatre rebirth celebrated in New Bedford with groundbreaking
Standard Times | Frank Mulligan | July 1, 2024 (Updated July 9, 2024)
The Zeiterion is closing for renovations soon
Standard Times | Seth Chitwood | July 25, 2023
Historic Zeiterion Theatre in New Bedford to undergo renovations
WPRI | March 29, 2023
Zeiterion project a boon to arts, entertainment and the economy
Standard Times | Frank Mulligan | February 1, 2023
A peek inside
New Bedford Light | Joanna McQuillan Weeks | January 2, 2023
'We have literally broken ground': Look inside the Zeiterion during its major renovation
Standard Times | Seth Chitwood | October 3, 2024
– David Prentiss
New Bedford Symphony Orchestra
President and CEO
– Mayor Jon Mitchell
Mass Historic and National Parks tour.
On September 25, leaders from Massachusetts Historical Commission (MHC) and National Park Services (NPS) visited New Bedford to tour several key projects in the city, along with leaders from WHALE and the City of New Bedford. The Z’s project was one of their stops. On the tour, MHC and NPS had a chance to view our progress, check in on important preservation requirements, and address any challenges the project may have. We were thrilled to welcome them into our construction zone!
Third floor removed.
The Zeiterion has been cleared out – not just seats and fixtures, but also walls and floors. One of the biggest changes is between the second and third floors. Most people haven’t been to the floors above the theater, but they are a big part of the renovation. The third floor has been removed to prepare for the movement studio and office space. Soon a large steel beam will be brought in to construct new flooring for the third floor. In the meantime, we’re enjoying the beautiful, original windows in their entirety.
Theater interior dug up.
Once the seats and concrete removed from the theater, Colantonio dug up earth to address the slope. As they were digging, they hit ground water – it’s apparently named Spring Street for a reason! The concrete floor will be repoured, which will allow for better accessibility, including a new ramp, and improved sightlines throughout the auditorium. And of course, all new seats!
All exterior glass removed.
Colantonio has removed all the windows, including the large, two-story windows that overlook Purchase Street as well as the leaded glass above The Z lounge on the corner of Purchase and Spring Streets. The leaded glass is original to the building (1923) and was in significant need of repair. Each panel has been packed up and will be fully restored before returning to the façade. The two-story windows will also be returned to their original historic look.
Second and third floors were gutted.
The top two floors above the theater were retrofitted in the 1970s to serve as office space for Paragon Travel, and eventually The Z, NBFT, and NBSO. Both floors have been completely removed of LOTS of wood paneling to make way for the incoming learning space, movement studio, lounge, and new offices.
Chandelier was packed up.
For the first time in more than 100 years, the chandelier has left the building! Designed specifically for the Zeiterion in 1923, the 2,000-lb chandelier was in need of some TLC. Lighting restoration specialists Grand Light carefully dismantled it piece by piece and hauled it away for re-cabling and deep cleaning.
Chairs were removed.
Colantonio’s first order of business was to remove the aged, worn chairs. The theater had four different styles that were second-hand 40 years ago! Once removed, Colantonio broke up and removed the concrete underneath. This will allow for a new slope, making it much safer, and brand-new seating, for increased capacity and accessibility.
Keys were handed over to the contractor.
On June 20, Z President & CEO Rosemary Gill turned the keys to Colantonio project manager Jacob Robitaille! The two met in the Zeiterion lobby for the hand-off.
The Z breaks ground!
On June 28, we hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for the restoration and renovation. The event, held under a tent outside the Zeiterion, celebrated the project and thanked the public for their support in making this transformative project a reality. It was attended by nearly two hundred community members, arts and culture advocates, and legislators. It concluded with leadership opting to smash a ceremonial wall instead of shoveling dirt to signify that we’re reimaging old traditions for the new Zeiterion.
The program included remarks from Zeiterion President & CEO Rosemary Gill, Mayor of the City of New Bedford Jon Mitchell, Representative Chris Hendricks, Representative Antonio Cabral, Senator Mark Montigny, Senator Michael Rodrigues, Kate Fox from Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism, campaign co-chairs Deborah Baker and Joseph Nauman, and Zeiterion board chair Frank Almeida.
Crews begin A to Z upgrade for city’s storied theater
New Bedford Light | Arthur Hirsch | July 8, 2024
Another 100 years: Zeiterion Theatre rebirth celebrated in New Bedford with groundbreaking
Standard Times | Frank Mulligan | July 1, 2024 (Updated July 9, 2024)
Colantonio, Inc., based in Holliston, MA, has been named the general contractor for this transformational project.
After a months-long public procurement process, Colantonio, Inc. has been named the general contractor for this transformational project. We are excited to welcome Colantonio to the team! You can learn more about their experience here.