McFarlin Memorial Auditorium

McFarlin Memorial Auditorium is a proscenium style theatre located on the campus of Southern Methodist University. The venue seats 2,386 on three levels. The building is the third oldest on SMU's campus and has hosted a number of notable acts.

McFarlin Memorial Auditorium
McFarlin Auditorium in 2016
McFarlin Memorial Auditorium
Location within Texas
McFarlin Memorial Auditorium
McFarlin Memorial Auditorium (the United States)
Address6405 Boaz Ln.
LocationUniversity Park, Texas
Coordinates32°50′39″N 96°47′10″W
OwnerSouthern Methodist University
Capacity2,386
Acreage1 acre (0.40 ha)
Current useAuditorium, Theatre
Construction
Opened1926 (1926)
Years active1926 (1926)-present
ArchitectR. H. Hunt
Website
McFarlin Memorial Auditorium
McFarlin Memorial Auditorium
Architectural styleColonial Revival, Georgian Revival
MPSGeorgian Revival Buildings of Southern Methodist University TR (AD)
NRHP reference No.80004091[1]
Added to NRHPSeptember 27, 1980

History

By the early 1920s, the students, faculty and staff of SMU had severely outgrown the capacity of Dallas and Clements Halls. Arguments were put forth as to what the next campus building should be. In the end, President Selecman and the Methodist bishops made the decision to build a chapel/auditorium as SMU's third permanent building. Financing was secured by a generous donation from devout Methodist and San Antonio businessman Robert M. McFarlin.

The McFarlin Memorial Auditorium was opened in 1926 to fulfill the University's pressing need for a chapel that could accommodate the entire student body. The building has evolved over time and continues to serve the University in the manner envisioned by SMU President Charles Selecman as "a place where we can have our friends from the community and elsewhere gather together on great occasions."

Though historically attractive, technology and ambiance are priorities as the university continues to keep the facility current. Recent projects include restoration of the main lobby to its historic integrity, renovation of restrooms, installation of a sprung floor on stage, and a complete reupholster of the auditorium's seats.

Notable events

Speakers

Performers

See also

References
  1. "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. November 2, 2013.
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