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Hopkins Center Renovation and Expansion

  • recital hall

    The Morris Recital Hall supports large and small ensembles with optimized acoustics. 

  • exterior plaza

    The Exterior Plaza encourages public gatherings and outdoor performances.

  • The forum

    The Forum provides a vibrant welcome center for the Hop.

  • top of the hop

    The Top of the Hop features a flexible space for studying, gathering, and events, complete with its own café/bar.

About the Project

The exciting and much-anticipated expanded and reimagined Hopkins Center for the Arts is nearing completion. Designed by the world-renowned design firm Snøhetta, this revitalized center will anchor Dartmouth's Arts District and set a new standard for the arts at Dartmouth by:  

  • Enriching learning and creative exploration  

  • Strengthening community and fostering well-being 

  • Driving innovation  

The Hop will be open for faculty and students at the start of fall term and the re-opening celebration is scheduled for Oct. 16-19, offering live music and dance, including a world premiere with Yo-Yo Ma, master classes, and other star-studded performances. 

Project Goals

  • Incorporation of state-of-the-art technologies that will allow the Hop to document, share, and broadcast Dartmouth-originated works across the world  

  • Enhancements to community, social, and study spaces, including the Top of the Hop  

  • Enhancements to acoustics, flow, and wayfinding throughout the building  

  • Substantive upgrades to rehearsal rooms  

  • Improvements to accessibility  

  • Addressing infrastructure and deferred maintenance for mechanical, electrical, and life safety systems.  

Project timing

  • Major construction has concluded, with full building completion set for fall 2025. 

  • A re-opening celebration is scheduled for Oct. 16-19. 

What's Currently Happening

  • Hop Plaza:
    • Signage goes up next week; bus stop returns 9/29; west side targeted for mid‑October.
  • The Moore Lobby & Theater:
    • Final stage and finish work in progress; minor delays on completion.
  • Bentley Theater:
    • Most finishes complete; stage repair plan in motion.
  • Spaulding Auditorium:
    • First rehearsal successful; a few repairs and mechanical issues being resolved; on track for the Telluride Film Festival.
  • Top of the Hop:
    • Furniture, piano, and finishing work in place; expected fully operational by reopening weekend.
  • Hodgson Dance Studio:
    • A/V training underway; finishing infrastructure work remains.
  • Jaffe‑Friede Gallery:
    • First exhibition installed.
  • Daryl Roth Studio Theater:
    • Running behind for the start of term; hoping to have it ready for the first performance later this month.
  • Morris Recital Hall:
    • Acoustical testing went well; tight move‑in schedule ahead of rehearsals.
  • Kaling Theater Lab:
    • A/V training underway and ready for classes.
  • Woodshop, Ceramics, Jewelry Shop:
    • Additional remediation/cleaning and mechanical work needed; targeting open by reopening.

More Information