$5 Million Kooyumjian Gift Will Fund Muny Upper Plaza Transformation

ST. LOUIS — A gift of $5 million to The Muny from the Thomas A. Kooyumjian Family Foundation will fund a complete renovation of the theatre’s upper plaza that will enhance accessibility and amenities, creating a more welcoming and equitable experience for all guests. 

The 1.05-acre space, known since 2004 as Lichtenstein Plaza, will become Kooyumjian Family Plaza. Construction is underway, and the transformed plaza will greet patrons for Season 107 at The Muny, which starts in June. 

“This overdue reconfiguration of the upper plaza will support our current and future needs while ensuring that all patrons feel welcome in our theatre, regardless of where their seats are,” said Muny President & CEO Kwofe Coleman. “We’re grateful for the support of the Thomas A. Kooyumjian Family Foundation, which will allow us to breathe new life and functionality into a space that greets thousands of Muny guests each evening.” 

The upper plaza hosts performances by local dancers and musicians as part of The Muny’s nightly Preshow Festival, and patrons wait there to access the theatre’s 1,500 first-come, first-served free seats.

More than half of Muny patrons arrive at the Upper Muny Lot — also known as Festival & Parking Plaza — and enter the theatre through the upper plaza.

Kooyumjian Family Plaza upgrades include: 

Reimagined functionality • Kooyumjian Family Plaza will be streamlined to facilitate a more orderly flow of guests. A new box office will be located at the center of the plaza, with ticket windows facing the Upper Muny Lot. The new design will mirror the look of the front of the theatre.

Enhanced amenities • A new concession stand, on the plaza-facing side of the new box office, will serve food and beverages at a scale equal to the stands inside the theatre. A Muny Merch stand will be added. The number of restrooms will increase to reduce patron wait times.

Updated entertainment space • The redesigned Kooyumjian Family Plaza will embrace the natural slope of the land, with an elevated, covered stage for preshow performances. 

New fans and more shade • Guests will be able to relax and picnic in an amphitheatre setting with more seating options. Shade structures and overhead fans — similar to the ones used inside the theatre and on Steward Family Plaza — will improve comfort and add a festival feel.

Elevated preshow experience • Guests begin lining up early each evening for the free seats. The reconfigured plaza will make more efficient use of the space while adding benches, low walls and dining tables. 

“Giving back to The Muny was an obvious choice for us,” said Tony Kooyumjian, the curator charged with fulfilling the mission of the Kooyumjian Family Foundation with his wife, Cindy, and daughter, Niki Tedoni. “My father was passionate about the arts and education, and our family has enjoyed The Muny for generations — especially the concept of the free seats. We wanted to give back to all the enjoyment we’ve gotten over the years at The Muny.” 

Thomas A. Kooyumjian died in 1985, and the foundation was established in 1987 with an emphasis on supporting the fine arts. The Thomas A. Kooyumjian Family Foundation has been a longtime benefactor of The Muny’s Community Access and education programs, as well as the Muny Endowment. 

“It’s an honor to be a part of this project, and we’re excited to continue our family’s legacy at The Muny,” Cindy Kooyumjian said. “The upper plaza area is dear to our hearts because it’s where we all started. We’re thrilled to help create an entrance with an atmosphere that’s welcoming and warm.” 

St. Louis-based SWT Design is the lead designer for this project, along with Introba, Dark Light and Frontenac Engineering. Vanstar Construction Co. has been selected as the contractor.

Find photos and project renderings in the Muny Press Room.

About The Muny

Now entering its 107th season in St. Louis, The Muny is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to producing exceptional musical theatre, accessible to all, while continuing its remarkable tradition in Forest Park. As the nation’s oldest and largest outdoor musical theatre, The Muny welcomes more than 300,000 patrons each summer for seven world-class productions under the stars. For more information, visit muny.org.