University of North Texas, Lucille “Lupe” Murchison Performing Arts Center Denton, Texas
The Center functions as both a performance and teaching venue which is tailored to meet the needs of the renowned music programs for students and faculty, guest artists and community members.
Location
Denton, Texas
Sector
Arts
Service
Architecture
Client
University of North Texas
Status
Completed
Size
72,500 SF
1,200-Seat Concert Hall
400-Seat Lyric Theater
Suffused with soft, natural light, and enveloped by a richly colored interior Winspear Performance Hall possesses a sense of intimacy that belies its large seating capacity. It is an unintimidating space for novice performers to hone their presentation abilities.
The Lyric Theater allows for the staging of a small-scale operatic, musical, and experimental vocal performances. Highly visible to commuters on Interstate 35, the rising curved metal roof of the Center and the sweeping arc of the glass and clay-wall lobby create a recognizable landmark.
The mix of variously textured Texas limestone combined with illuminated tile and brick establish the Center as a gateway to the university and a distinctive physical presence commensurate with the quality and sophistication of the music program. Earning immediate critical and public acclaim, the Center has joined the ranks of the finest performing arts complexes in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.
Awards
Associated General Contractors, Dallas Chapter: Summit Awards, “Outstanding Project,” 1999
Texas Society of Architects: Design Award, 2000
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