Press Release
On January 16 The Zeiterion revealed its newly restored and renovated building with a ribbon cutting ceremony after nearly two years of construction. Mayor of the City of New Bedford Jon Mitchell, U.S. Congressman William Keating, Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, Chairman Antonio Cabral, and Representative Chris Hendricks spoke alongside Rosemary Gill, President and CEO of the Zeiterion, who cut the ribbon at the ceremony. The $37 million project addressed deferred maintenance, accessibility issues, and underutilized space in the 100-year-old city-owned building.
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- Mass. Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll is flanked by New Bedford Mayor, Jon Mitchell, and Rosemary Gill, President and CEO of the Zeiterion, while speaking at the Z’s ribbon cutting on 1/16/26 celebrating the completion of renovations after nearly two years of construction. Photos courtesy of the Zeiterion.
“This ribbon cutting marks more than the reopening of the Zeiterion, it represents civic pride, artistic renewal, and collective achievement,” said Gill. “It honors New Bedford’s rich theater history and sets the stage for the future of performing arts, where underrepresented groups have a voice and all of New Bedford can gather for learning, connection, and creative expression. This is your Zeiterion.”
“The Z is Greater New Bedford’s premiere performing arts center and one of the region’s most important anchor institutions,” Mayor Mitchell said. “Thanks to the ambition and hard work of The Z’s board and staff, and the collaborative support of government at all levels, The Z is poised to enrich the lives of local residents and visitors for generations to come.”
Councilor Shane Burgo offered a proclamation and performed “Feeling Good” acapella. The New Bedford High School marching band performed before and after the speaking program, offering the celebratory soundtrack to the event. Other notable attendees included Representative Christopher Markey, Representative Mark Sylvia, Representative Steve Ouellette, and New Bedford City Councilors Ian Abreu, Derek Baptiste, Naomi Carney, and Council President Ryan Pereira, former New Bedford Mayor John Bullard, Jamie Zeitz (grandson of Harry Zeitz), Miss New Bedford Dolly Mendez and Miss New Bedford’s Teen Addison Kohler. Refreshments and an open house of the building followed.
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- The New Bedford High School marching band performs during the ribbon cutting ceremony at the Zeiterion on 1/16/26 celebrating the completion of renovations after nearly two years of construction. Photos courtesy of the Zeiterion.
The Zeiterion reopened the following day with Big Night, Bright Lights! The Z’s Grand Reopening: New Bedford Festival Theatre, New Bedford Symphony Orchestra, and The Zeiterion Light Up the Stage is a joyful celebration of community, with two performances at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on January 17.
With the transformational restoration and renovation complete, patrons enjoyed an expanded lobby, new seats, technical upgrades, and so much more.
The Zeiterion is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with a mission to steward its historic theater as a gathering place for performing arts experiences where learning, connection, and creative expression thrive. Tickets are available for purchase at www.zeiterion.org and by calling the box office at 508-994-2900. Visit www.zeiterion.org for box office hours.
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