HVCC Reopened Massry Center for the Arts
Hudson Valley Community College has reopened the performance facility in Albany following a successful acquisition.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Dance
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Hudson Valley Community College officially reopened the Massry Center for the Arts on October 14, 2026. The institution acquired the facility for $1 million to preserve the venue as a public arts hub.
Why it matters
The acquisition ensures the continued availability of a vital educational resource and community arts center following the closure of the College of Saint Rose in 2023. The college intends to utilize the space for diverse performances and programming.
The 46,000-square-foot facility features a 400-seat performance hall, art gallery, practice rooms, and classrooms. The current faculty exhibit New Walls serves as the first programming in the Esther Massry Gallery.
The players
Hudson Valley Community College
A public institution based in Troy that serves students across the Capital District and now operates the Massry Center.
Playhouse Stage
A professional theater organization tasked with managing the daily box office, production, and scheduling operations of the center.
Pine Hills Land Authority
The agency that oversaw the sale of the former campus property in the Pine Hills neighborhood of Albany.
The details
Playhouse Stage will manage the house, box office, and production operations for the center throughout the next year. Oversight of the facility is split between college staff and an advisory committee comprised of local arts organizations.
Timeline
The original facility opened in 2008.
The College of Saint Rose closed in 2023.
The acquisition was announced in April 2026.
The college closed on the property during the week of October 7, 2026.
The official reopening took place on October 14, 2026.
Industry Dynamics
This acquisition reflects a trend where community colleges are stepping in to preserve and manage local cultural assets shuttered by private institutions. The strategy positions the college as a central hub for arts education and public performances in the region.
Residents can now attend performances and exhibits at the reopened 400-seat hall, with Playhouse Stage handling all booking and ticket operations. The center remains open for community use, serving as a primary venue for local arts programming.
The takeaway
The preservation of this facility secures a significant cultural asset for the Albany community. Residents should check the new performance calendar regularly to stay informed about upcoming shows and educational programming.
What happens next
Hudson Valley Community College is expected to determine permanent staffing needs for the center by late 2027.
Further reading
For more information on the regional arts scene, see Dance.
More information
For event pitches and inquiries, contact the Email for event pitches and inquiries.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Times Union.
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