The rehabilitation of the reflecting pool at Kleinhans Music Hall in Buffalo has been completed, according to an announcement from Governor Kathy Hochul. The restored pool, now named The Stenclik Family Reflecting Pool, is part of a larger $15 million renovation effort aimed at preserving the National Historic Landmark. Approximately 150,000 people visit Kleinhans each year.
Governor Hochul said, “Kleinhans is one of the finest concert halls in the world. People come for the music and events but are often drawn to the reflecting pool, which is a selfie hotspot in Buffalo. By investing in this cultural and architectural gem, we ensure it will continue to contribute to the quality of life and economic vitality of the region for decades to come. I look forward to seeing residents and visitors enjoy the fine arts and culture that New York has to offer.”
Kleinhans Music Hall, which opened in 1939 and was designed by Eliel and Eero Saarinen, serves as a performance space for groups such as the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra and hosts over 150 events annually. It is owned by the City of Buffalo and managed by Kleinhans Music Hall Management Inc., a nonprofit organization.
The reflecting pool is situated on the eastern side of the building near the Mary Seton Room. After being filled in during 1956, it was reconstructed in 2001. The latest rehabilitation involved draining, resurfacing, and relining its 17,000-square-foot area.
Jeremy Oczek, Chair of the Kleinhans Music Hall Board of Directors, stated: “Buffalo recognizes that our treasured cultural destinations must be protected. Kleinhans is an excellent example of a place that is providing inspiration, rejuvenation, peace, and solace through music-and is also providing a place for quiet meditation with the reopening of our beautiful reflecting pool. I thank Governor Hochul and all our partners in government for their support of this project. We are also happy to officially recognize this feature of the hall as The Stenclik Family Reflecting Pool, in honor of their long and generous history of support for the hall and the BPO.”
Scott Stenclikadded, Chair of Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, said: “My family and I are truly honored by this designation. As someone who has been coming to Kleinhans my entire life, we know how important it is, not only to the BPO but to the greater community. We felt it was our duty to help however possible to preserve this great hall for future generations.”
Beyond refurbishing the pool at a cost of $450,000, additional work includes roof replacement funded by Buffalo city government; boiler room reconstruction funded by Erie County; new air handlers; modular steam boilers; upgrades to safety systems; improved accessibility features; exterior lighting improvements; energy-efficient interior lighting; restoration of wood finishes; painting; and plastering.
Empire State Development President Hope Knight commented: “Kleinhans Music Hall is a true asset for the entire community. Thanks to Governor Hochul, ESD can support the upgrades to this world-renowned concert venue, allowing it to continue to attract hundreds of thousands of people to the region each year.”
State funding for renovations includes $8 million from New York’s FY23 budget plus up to $1 million in grants from Empire State Development. Additional contributions come from local government entities such as Erie County and Assemblyman Jon Rivera—who secured $100,000—and private donors totaling $6 million.
State Senator April N. M. Baskin said: “For anyone who has stepped foot in Kleinhans Music Hall, it becomes immediately apparent that this iconic venue is a world-class treasure in Buffalo. Now thanks to Governor Hochul’s foresight visitors may enjoy a renovated Reflecting Pool adding even more beauty and style to the venerable music hall.”
Assemblymember Jon D. Rivera added: “Kleinhans Music Hall is one of Buffalo’s most treasured landmarks and a masterpiece of design. It’s a gathering place that has brought our community together for generations. The restoration of its reflecting pool is a fitting tribute to the hall’s architectural beauty and cultural significance… I’m proud to have secured $100000 in state funding for renovations…”
Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz said: “The reflecting pool is an essential component of Kleinhans Music Hall… This investment part of an ongoing larger renovation ensures future concert goers will be able to enjoy this experience for years…”
Buffalo Mayor Christopher P. Scanlon stated: “The arts are critical to economic growth… By restoring its iconic reflecting pool as part of a $15 million renovation project we continue to make wise investments that will be appreciated by residents…”
The full renovation project at Kleinhans Music Hall is expected to conclude by 2027.
More information about Kleinhans can be found at kleinhansbuffalo.org/.
