Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts

Overview: As staunch supporters of the Arts, Rita and Stanley enjoyed many performances of music, theater and ballet at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. It was a sort of home away from home for the Kaplans. So dear was Lincoln Center to the Kaplans’ hearts that the organization became one of the first prominent grantees in the Foundation’s history.

Giving Highlight: The Foundation’s first sizable pledge came in 1987 when $2m was approved for the Stanley H. Kaplan Penthouse. Since its inception, the venue has been used for smaller concerts, “Meet the Artist” and Great Performers Events, Jazz at Lincoln Center, lectures, and a variety of private events. Most notably, the Penthouse held critical diplomacy talks between the United States and China in 1995, hosting President Clinton and President Jiang Zemin of China.