Expected to open in 2029, the Center for the Arts celebrates fine arts and performing arts at the University of Virginia and in the surrounding community. This new facility serves an important role in defining a new academic and cultural magnet for the Ivy Corridor Development. Clad in red brick and large expanses of glass with cast stone accents, the building offers a contemporary interpretation of the historic material palette on Grounds.

Developed in collaboration with Diamond Schmitt Architects and Selldorf Architects, increases capacity deficiencies in fine arts and performing arts spaces on Grounds, provides room for program growth, and provides barrier-free access to gallery and performance spaces. A 1,200-seat performing arts center provides much-needed additional seating capacity for student performances. An adaptable stage design and tunable acoustic features make this hall ideal for large choral and orchestral ensembles, film screenings, ballet and opera, and touring theater productions. This facility also brings the Fralin and Kluge-Ruhe art collections under one roof with ample gallery space for large and small works, shared collection storage, and an art-making space for hosting school groups.

More than just a concert hall and museum, Center for the Arts highlights artistic education on Grounds. With a small chamber music hall, an experimental performance lab, plentiful practice studios, rehearsal spaces of varying sizes, and print and sculpture study rooms, this building promotes students’ artistic flourishing and equips them with space to explore and hone their talents.