The $172 million New Brunswick Performing Arts Center has opened.

A private celebration for stakeholders, dignitaries and donors was held Wednesday, followed by a public ribbon-cutting ceremony that included a stage naming in honor of Mayor Jim Cahill on Thursday.

The James M. Cahill Stage was a surprise for the mayor who has served the city since 1991 and championed the development of the arts center for nearly as long.

“NBPAC was Mayor Cahill’s vision and his cause,” said Christopher J. Paladino, president of New Brunswick Development Corp. (DEVCO). “So, it is only fitting that his name be always Center Stage of the Elizabeth Ross Johnson Theatre.”