The $142 million Charleston Gaillard Center is now open, a little over three years after construction first began. The center contains an 1800-seat performance hall as well as almost 18,000 square feet of event and meeting space. This is in addition to several city offices including planning, engineering, and information technology. Longtime Charleston mayor Joe Riley spoke at the opening, saying that every citizen has a stake in the Gaillard Center. "It belongs to them. The most prominent citizen, the least resourceful citizen - they own it equally." Mayor Riley went on to say that he views the Gaillard Center as a source of pride for the city, and as "this generation's gift to the future." The original $6 million Gaillard Municipal Auditorium, named for Mayor J. Palmer Gaillard Jr., seated 2726 people and hosted performances, meetings, and conventions until 2012, when it was demolished to make room for the new center. The center was paid for equally by the city and the Gaillard Performance Hall Foundation. Public funding came chiefly through hospitality and tourism taxes. The first concert in the hall was held on Sunday, October 18, when Yo-Yo Ma joined the Charleston Symphony Orchestra on the stage. Learn more about this new space and see some stunning pictures below! Read the full article here: Charleston Gaillard Center Now Open on George St.