[1] In 1986, the Philadelphia Orchestra approved a plan to construct a new concert hall to replace the aging Academy of Music.

[2] The desire to move the orchestra from its facilities in the Academy of Music emerged as early as 1908, however plans stalled due to the lack of consensus on the project's scope and funding.

Plans emerged again shortly after World War II when performing arts centers were constructed in other cities such as New York, Washington and Los Angeles.

[6] Numerous cost overruns and construction delays led to the filing of a lawsuit in 2005 by officials of the Kimmel Center against Viñoly.

[7] A distinctive vaulted glass ceiling encloses the entire structure providing a large common lobby for all the facilities.