Why We’re Still Proud of This Historic Installation
Nearly two years after its opening, the Perelman Performing Arts Center (PAC NYC) remains one of the most talked-about performance venues in the world—and for good reason. Built at the World Trade Center site, on the very ground forever marked by the events of 9/11, the building stands as both a cultural milestone and an architectural achievement, blending history, remembrance, innovation, and artistic possibility in a way few spaces ever have.
While the headlines have focused on the building’s striking marble façade, its flexible theatres, and its unprecedented engineering, we continue to celebrate something else: Aquarii’s own role in bringing the interior to life.
PAC NYC features a series of state-of-the-art performance environments, and among their extensive network of lighting solutions sit Aquarii Axceleron downlights, chosen for their performance, efficiency, and clean, unobtrusive form factor. Even in one of the most technically demanding venues on the planet, the Axceleron proved exactly why it has become a trusted choice for theatres, universities, houses of worship, and performing arts centers across the country.
Why Axceleron Was a Fit for a Venue Built on Innovation
PAC NYC’s three primary theatres can be reconfigured into more than 60 unique layouts, with movable towers, mobile seating, adjustable balconies, and modular architectural elements. With that level of flexibility, lighting fixtures must be adaptable, reliable, and virtually maintenance-free.
That is precisely what the Axceleron brings:
- Outstanding lumen output for clean, consistent illumination
- High efficiency for venues managing long runtimes and changing configurations
- Long life and low maintenance, supporting the operational demands of a landmark facility
- A compact form ideal for pipe-grid integration and performance environments
- Flicker-free, silent operation, essential for film, dance, and theatre
In PAC NYC, the Axceleron fixtures sit centered within the pipe grid—discreet, powerful, and built to handle the technical versatility the space requires.
A Project That Still Inspires Us
Being part of a venue built on such meaningful ground is something our team continues to take pride in. PAC NYC brings together artists from around the world, honors the cultural spirit of New York City, and stands as a symbol of resilience.
To know that Aquarii fixtures contribute to that experience every day—quietly, seamlessly, reliably—is something we don’t take lightly.
It’s also a reminder of why we do what we do: To build lighting solutions that elevate performance spaces while meeting the real-world needs of the people who run them.
As more venues seek flexibility, energy efficiency, low-maintenance fixtures, and intelligent control options, the priorities that shaped PAC NYC’s design are becoming increasingly common across the industry.
The Axceleron continues to be a go-to solution for organizations seeking:
- High performance without high energy consumption
- Durable, long-lasting fixtures that reduce maintenance costs
- A lighting solution compatible with dynamic environments
- Trusted American-made manufacturing and responsive support
PAC NYC may have opened in 2023, but the lighting philosophies behind it are shaping projects happening right now—and we’re excited to be part of them.
Proud to Light Spaces That Matter
Whether it’s a world-class performing arts center, a university theater, a church sanctuary, or a municipal venue, Aquarii remains committed to designing lighting that elevates the audience experience and supports the people working behind the scenes.
If you’d like to learn more about the Axceleron or explore how it can support your next project, we’d love to connect. Contact our team for project consultations.
Originally featured in Lighting & Sound America (January 2024), “The Mystery Box.” Image © Lighting & Sound America. Used for informational purposes only.