America's oldest performing arts center almost died twice—now BAM's 163-year journey from Civil War era to ashes to cultural powerhouse reveals how artistic resilience can transform a city.
Its third act might be the most incredible. From humble beginnings on Montague Street in 1861 to its current multi-venue operation, BAM has continuously reinvented itself while maintaining its artistic integrity. The appointment of Harvey Lichtenstein as executive director in 1967 marked a crucial turning point in BAM's history, leading to a cultural renaissance that revitalized the institution.
