McFarlin Memorial Auditorium is a proscenium style theatre located on the campus of Southern Methodist University. The venue seats 2,386 on three levels. The building is the third oldest on SMU's campus and has hosted a number of notable acts.
History By the early 1920s, the students, faculty and staff of SMU had severely outgrown the capacity of Dallas and Clements Halls. Arguments were put forth as to what the next campus building should be. In the end, President Selecman and the Methodist bishops made the decision to build a chapel/auditorium as SMU's third permanent building. Financing was secured by a generous donation from devout Methodist and San Antonio businessman Robert M. McFarlin.
The McFarlin Memorial Auditorium was opened in 1926 to fulfill the University's pressing need for a chapel that could accommodate the entire student body. The building has evolved over time and continues to serve the University in the manner envisioned by SMU President Charles Selecman as "a place where we can have our friends from the community and elsewhere gather together on great occasions."
Though historically attractive, technology and ambiance are priorities as the university continues to keep the facility current. Recent projects include restoration of the main lobby to its historic integrity, renovation of restrooms, installation of a sprung floor on stage, and a complete reupholster of the auditorium's seats.
Notable events
Speakers Winston Churchill George Clinton Charlton Heston Bob Hope Kevin O’Leary Martin Luther King Jr. Margaret Thatcher Stephen Hawking George H. W. Bush George W. Bush Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Performers Arlo Guthrie Barry Manilow Billy Joel Billy Thorpe Blondie Canned Heat Conan O'Brien Dashboard Confessional Death Cab for Cutie The Doors Ebi Elton John Evanescence George Benson The Grateful Dead Hall & Oates Imogen Heap Jackopierce James Taylor Jane's Addiction Jeff Beck Jesse Colin Young Jimmy Buffett The Kinks The McElroys Outlaws Paul Simon Pink Floyd The Police Prince Queen Randy Newman REM Shawn Mendes Sheryl Crow Stephen Sanchez Thin Lizzy Vanilla Fudge Wilco Yo-Yo Ma XTC Niel Diamond
See also
National Register of Historic Places listings in Dallas County, Texas
References
External links
McFarlin Auditorium Lobby Renovation