- City:
- East Lansing, MI
- Site Type:
- Education and Health, Civic Facilities, Colleges and Universities, Auditoriums and Arenas
- New Deal Agencies:
- Public Works Funding, Public Works Administration (PWA)
- Designer:
- O.J. Munson
Description
“In 1938 the Public Works Administration allocated more than $500,000 toward the final cost of $1,025,000 for an auditorium to accommodate the academic and cultural activities of the growing MSU student body. Designed by O.J. Munson, the Gothic-inspired pointed arches and lancet windows on the entrance facade, and oak paneling, chandeliers, and white marble flooring of the lobby interior, reflect a desire for an elaborate structure to suit its cultural purpose. The limestone spandrels of the three identical entry portals are decorated with images of comedy, tragedy, musical instruments, and vines.
Munson’s building houses two theaters, the large Auditorium at the front entrance on Farm Lane and the smaller Fairchild Theater at the east entrance of the building, arranged with the proscenium in the center of the building. This set-up eliminates the need for duplicate technical equipment and lighting; however, it is often problematic to hold simultaneous performances.”
Source notes
https://artmuseum.msu.edu/wpa/WPA/pages/aud.htm
At this Location:
- Michigan State University Museum: Frezell Mural - East Lansing MI
- Michigan State University: Main Library Mural - East Lansing MI
- Michigan State University: Music Building - East Lansing MI
- Michigan State University: Music Building Sculpture - East Lansing MI
- Michigan State University: Jenison Fieldhouse - East Lansing MI
- Michigan State University: Terra Cotta Sculpture - East Lansing MI
- Michigan State University: Campbell Hall - East Lansing MI
- Michigan State University: Entrance Marker - East Lansing MI
- Michigan State University: Union Building Mural - East Lansing MI
- Michigan State University: Union Building Addition - East Lansing MI
- Michigan State University: Olin Health Center - East Lansing MI
- Michigan State University: Abbot Hall - East Lansing MI
- Michigan State University: Giltner Hall - East Lansing MI
- Michigan State University: Band Shell (demolished) - East Lansing MI
- Michigan State University: Music Building Reliefs - East Lansing MI
View all sites at Michigan State University - East Lansing MI (16 Sites)
Site Details
Federal Cost |
---|
$500.00 |
Contribute to this Site
We welcome contributions of additional information on any New Deal site.
Submit More Information or Photographs for this New Deal Site
Join the Conversation