Campus Life

Dear Old State: Eisenhower Auditorium celebrates 50 years

Venue first opened in 1974 as University Auditorium and renamed in 1977 for Penn State's 11th president

The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and University Choirs performed at the opening of University Auditorium — now called Eisenhower Auditorium — on May 8, 1974.  Credit: Penn State University Archives / Penn State. Creative Commons

A shot of the audience from the stage at one of the first performances in University Auditorium in 1974. Credit: Penn State University Archives / Penn State. Creative Commons

The May 9, 1974 issue of The Daily Collegian featured a summary of the previous night's opening performance at Eisenhower Auditorium. Credit: Penn State University Archives / Penn State. Creative Commons

An aerial view of the steel framework of Eisenhower Auditorium during its construction in the early 1970s. Credit: Penn State University Archives / Penn State. Creative Commons

A look inside Eisenhower Auditorium when it was under construction in the early 1970s. Credit: Penn State University Archives / Penn State. Creative Commons

Milton S. Eisenhower, the 11th president of Penn State and namesake of Eisenhower Auditorium. The venue first opened in 1974 as University Auditorium and was renamed in 1977 to honor Eisenhower. He is pictured here at a reception following the naming dedication. Credit: Penn State University Archives / Penn State. Creative Commons

In March 1996, Eisenhower Auditorium was the site of a night of "questions and answers with Billy Joel, with a little bit of music," during which the artist gave the audience an in-depth look at his life and career. According to La Vie, a second night was added due to Joel's popularity, and both shows sold out. Joel is one of many famed artists and ensembles to have graced the stage at Eisenhower Auditorium in the last 50 years. Credit: Penn State University Archives - Elizabeth M. Coppola / Penn State. Creative Commons

University Auditorium in 1976, the year before the venue was renamed for Penn State's 11th president, Milton S. Eisenhower. Credit: Penn State University Archives / Penn State. Creative Commons

The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and University Choirs performed at the opening of University Auditorium — now called Eisenhower Auditorium — on May 8, 1974.  Credit: Penn State University Archives / Penn State. Creative Commons

A shot of the audience from the stage at one of the first performances in University Auditorium in 1974. Credit: Penn State University Archives / Penn State. Creative Commons

The May 9, 1974 issue of The Daily Collegian featured a summary of the previous night's opening performance at Eisenhower Auditorium. Credit: Penn State University Archives / Penn State. Creative Commons

An aerial view of the steel framework of Eisenhower Auditorium during its construction in the early 1970s. Credit: Penn State University Archives / Penn State. Creative Commons

A look inside Eisenhower Auditorium when it was under construction in the early 1970s. Credit: Penn State University Archives / Penn State. Creative Commons

Milton S. Eisenhower, the 11th president of Penn State and namesake of Eisenhower Auditorium. The venue first opened in 1974 as University Auditorium and was renamed in 1977 to honor Eisenhower. He is pictured here at a reception following the naming dedication. Credit: Penn State University Archives / Penn State. Creative Commons

In March 1996, Eisenhower Auditorium was the site of a night of "questions and answers with Billy Joel, with a little bit of music," during which the artist gave the audience an in-depth look at his life and career. According to La Vie, a second night was added due to Joel's popularity, and both shows sold out. Joel is one of many famed artists and ensembles to have graced the stage at Eisenhower Auditorium in the last 50 years. Credit: Penn State University Archives - Elizabeth M. Coppola / Penn State. Creative Commons

University Auditorium in 1976, the year before the venue was renamed for Penn State's 11th president, Milton S. Eisenhower. Credit: Penn State University Archives / Penn State. Creative Commons

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — May 8 marks the 50th anniversary of the opening of Eisenhower Auditorium at University Park. Initially known as University Auditorium, it was renamed for former Penn State President Milton S. Eisenhower in 1977. The multi-purpose performing arts facility has welcomed nationally and internationally recognized performers in music, drama and dance; well-known speakers; touring Broadway musicals; and educational and family programming. The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and University Choirs gave the venue’s premiere performance on May 8, 1974. 

Today, the venue stands as one of Pennsylvania’s major cultural resources.  

The Center for the Performing Arts will kick off the anniversary celebration with the “Flashback Forward: Eisenhower Auditorium Turns 50!” commemorative event during We Are Weekend on Saturday, June 22, at the auditorium. Learn more the event on Penn State News. 

Last Updated May 8, 2024

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