Annual Reports, 1988-1992 | University of Illinois Archives

Established in 1962 as a gift from Mr. and Mrs. Herman Krannert of Indianapolis, the center is a unit of the College of Fine and Applied Arts. It was created to provide "a central facility where academic training and public performance could be carried out under the best conditions."¹ The center, designed by architect Max Abramovitz, '29, houses in one structure a music auditorium, a music theatre, a drama theatre, an experimental theatre, an outdoor theatre, offices, rehearsal rooms, dressing rooms and parking.² Construction on the center began on August 1, 1966 and the dedication festival was held April 19-May 18, 1969.³

1. The Story and Facts About the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, p. 1.

2. Trustees Reports, 53rd Report, September 16, 1964, p. 99.

3. The Story and Facts About the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, pp. 4-5.