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Behind the Scenes at Great Performances: Open House New York 2025

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This past October 18–20, 2025, Great Performances once again joined Open House New York Weekend, the city-wide festival that invites the public to explore New York’s most fascinating spaces. Now in our second year of participating, we were thrilled to open our South Bronx home and offer a behind-the-scenes look at how we unleash joy through genuine hospitality.

Open House New York (OHNY) is an organization close to Liz Neumark’s heart — as a native New Yorker, entrepreneur, and advocate for civic engagement, she deeply values OHNY’s mission to foster openness, accessibility, and pride in our city. For our team, it’s a meaningful opportunity to welcome our community into the kitchens, offices, and creative spaces where so much of the Great Performances magic begins.

Last weekend, Great Performances once again had the great honor of participating in Open House New York. We welcomed 75 lucky guests into our home in the South Bronx, giving them a behind-the-scenes look at where so much of the magic happens.

The tour wound its way through all three floors of our commissary — from our bustling kitchens to our walk-ins and offices — each space offering a glimpse into the heart of what we do every day. Along the way, guests had plenty of questions, and our team was ready with answers! Some were fun (“How much sugar does the pastry kitchen go through?” — over 150 pounds per day!), while others were more reflective (“How many guests have you served since opening?” — more than 10 million and counting).

Before heading off to their next Open House New York stop, visitors were treated to one of our freshly baked chocolate chip cookies — a small taste of Great Performances to take on the road.

Participating in Open House New York is always such a joy. Each year, we’re reminded how meaningful it is to open our doors and share the energy, creativity, and care that fuel our work behind the curtain. It’s not just a tour; it’s a chance to connect with our community, celebrate craftsmanship, and show the dedication that goes into every event we create.

If you’d like to experience Great Performances firsthand, we encourage you to sign up for the Open House New York newsletter and keep an eye out next September for a full list of participating sites. It’s one of the city’s most inspiring weekends — a celebration of openness, accessibility, and civic pride in the place we’re so proud to call home.

Open House New York is more than a weekend of tours — it’s a celebration of the people, places, and ideas that shape the city we love. Through programs like these, OHNY builds bridges between communities and inspires a deeper appreciation for New York’s vibrant cultural and creative landscape.

To learn more or support OHNY’s mission, visit ohny.org — where you can become a member, volunteer, or donate to help keep New York open, accessible, and inspiring for all.

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