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Hopkins Center Renovation and Expansion

  • top of the hop

    The new Top of the Hop with spectacular arched windows and a circular light fixture.

  • hop construction

    Looking out onto the Dartmouth Green from the magnificent Jack 1953 and Mac 2011 Morris Recital Hall. 

  • dance studio

    The Hodgson Family Dance Studio, with ample space for the body to move.

  • Spaulding

    The David A. Graves Stage is the centerpiece of an updated Spaulding Auditorium, now featuring enhanced accessibility accommodations.

  • hope forum

    Roth Forum seating invites creativity from the moment people cross the building's threshold.

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:
    • The Roth signage install in process; 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 two Telluride nights successful; stage flooring complete; systems restored; lighting programming and banner commissioning remain.
  • Top of the Hop:
    • Furniture and piano installed; audio installed; lighting in progress; video pending; staff training scheduled next week; 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:
    • Floor painting/finish is complete; AV install and lighting commissioning still in progress; A/V training is underway. Planning for performances to begin as scheduled on Wednesday barring any surprises over the course of Monday and Tuesday.
  • Morris Recital Hall:
    • Acoustical testing passed; south wall work and AV plates underway. Rehearsal timing adjusted to accommodate ongoing work but will begin 9/22; equipment and piano move‑ins still need coordination.
  • 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