Hopkins Center Expansion and Renovation

An expansion and renovation project is underway to reimagine the Hopkins Center for the Arts. Originally designed by Walter K. Harrison and built in 1962, the Hop is located in Dartmouth's Arts District which also includes the Black Family Visual Arts Center, completed in 2012 by Machado Silvetti, and the Hood Museum of Art, redesigned by Tod Williams and Billie Tsien Architects in 2019.

The expanded Hop will include a sculpted exterior plaza which will lead to the Forum, a central gathering space with a glass façade, double-height ceilings, and a grand staircase. The Alumni Hall will be transformed into a performance lab, with flexible seating and state-of-the-art sound, lighting, and broadcasting. Also on the second floor, the recital hall will provide a new performance space for 130 guests and beautiful views of the Green. The renovation will create ample rehearsal space, dedicated specifically to dance, on the Hop's lower level below the recital hall. Spaulding Auditorium will receive technology updates and upgraded seating. 

In addition to these new designed program spaces, the Hop will see improvements in energy, mechanical, electrical, and life safety systems, as well as accessibility. The expansion is expected to be complete by fall 2025.  

The Courtyard Café in the Hop will remain open throughout construction. The café can be accessed through the Hood Museum of Art, the exterior courtyard doors, and by the Spaulding Auditorium

• Demolition continues inside the building.
• Cut/cap make-safe operations are underway to support the interior demolition.
• Site demolition is ongoing.
• Roof terrace demolition is starting.
• The floor is being demolished installation of structural piles.

• The bus transit hub is temporarily located on Wentworth Street, in front of Rauner Library.
• Regular work hours will be Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., in accordance with town regulations.
• Construction signage and fencing will be in place throughout the project.
• Public parking in the upper lot off of Lebanon Street is closed.
• Construction vehicles will approach and exit the site from both Vermont (via I-91 and over Ledyard Bridge) and from New Hampshire (from I-89 along Route 120).