Germantown piano company opens new headquarters in King of Prussia to expand the local music scene.
Cunningham Piano Co., a venerable fixture in the Philadelphia music scene, recently marked a significant milestone with the opening of its new facility in King of Prussia on October 1. This move represents a modernization effort for the 135-year-old company, relocating approximately 17 miles northwest from its longtime base in Germantown. The new facility consolidates the company’s various operations—retail, restoration, and education—while also expanding its mission to promote the arts beyond the city limits.
Nestled within a standard office park on South Henderson Road, the redesigned 15,000-square-foot space is equipped to showcase around 300 pianos, which range from traditional uprights and baby grands to state-of-the-art digital instruments. The facility reflects a dedication to the craft of music, characterized by subtle nuances that allow for deep expression, as highlighted by Hugh Sung, the company’s vice president and a renowned concert pianist.
One of the pivotal features of the new establishment is a 150-seat performance center outfitted with a distinguished Bösendorfer piano, distinguished as one of the finest instruments available. The venue is poised to host a diverse array of events, kicking off with the First Fridays Concert Series on November 6, featuring Eric Wortham II, a jazz pianist who gained international acclaim as a member of Adele’s touring band. The performance space, along with private practice rooms, is intended to nurture the next generation of musicians by providing access to high-quality facilities.
Cunningham Piano Co.’s executives see this transition not merely as a relocation, but as a strategic move to adapt to contemporary consumer behavior. With King of Prussia emerging as a major shopping destination—overtaking Center City as the region’s largest shopping district—the hope is to draw shoppers looking for an additional cultural experience. Co-owner Rich Galassini emphasizes the importance of supporting the arts within this bustling locale.
Earlier this year, Cunningham Piano closed its Germantown workshop and sold the property, a decision that might have appeared to signal a downturn in an industry facing challenges. However, company leadership views the change as an opportunity for rejuvenation and sustainability, laying the groundwork for the business to thrive into the next century.
The previous location posed significant logistical challenges, including narrow and steep stairs, an unreliable old elevator, and residential street access that often complicated deliveries. In contrast, the new facility offers practical amenities such as a loading dock and private parking, enabling the company to operate more efficiently and effectively.
This exciting new chapter for Cunningham Piano Co. represents not only a commitment to the art of music but also an embrace of modernity in an ever-evolving industry landscape. The new King of Prussia facility is designed to enrich the cultural fabric of the region while preserving the legacy of this historic piano company for future generations.
