Our Studios, Stages & Spaces
At KGMCA, Every Art Finds Its Place
The Kathrine G. McGovern College of the Arts, officially established in 2016, brings together a legacy of creativity and a vision for the future. While the college itself is young, our facilities have long been home to generations of students creating, performing, and pushing the boundaries of their craft. From the historic Fine Arts Building and Wortham Theatre to newer additions like Elgin Street Studios, opened in 2020, each space plays a vital role in shaping the student experience.
With dedicated venues for music, theatre, dance, visual arts, and interdisciplinary collaboration, KGMCA’s facilities are designed to support artistic excellence at every level. Explore the stages, studios, and spaces that continue to inspire the next generation of creative leaders.
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ARTS & TECHNOLOGY CENTER
The Arts & Technology Center (ATC) at the Kathrine G. McGovern College of the Arts supports students in bringing their creative visions to life through access to cutting-edge tools, hands-on training, and expert mentorship. Designed to foster both technical skill and artistic confidence, the ATC empowers students to explore, experiment, and expand their practice. By encouraging collaboration across disciplines, the ATC creates a vibrant, open environment where artists learn from one another, break boundaries, and prepare for the technological demands of their professional careers.
BLAFFER ART MUSEUM
Founded in 1973, the Blaffer Art Museum endeavors to further the understanding of contemporary art through exhibitions, publications, and public programs. As the gateway between the ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú’s Central campus and the City of Houston, Blaffer Art Museum is a catalyst for creative innovation, experimentation, and scholarship. Its exhibitions and programs are free and open to the public, create community through dialogue and participation, and inspire an appreciation for the visual arts as a vital force in shaping contemporary culture.
CYNTHIA WOODS MITCHELL CENTER
The Mitchell Center for the Arts fosters bold, interdisciplinary collaboration across the ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú and the broader community. As part of the Kathrine G. McGovern College of the Arts, the center brings together artists, performers, writers, scholars, and the public to spark experimental thinking and creative partnerships that transcend traditional boundaries. Through performances, exhibitions, symposia, public art, and more, the Mitchell Center cultivates innovative intersections between the arts and fields such as health, technology, urbanism, and entrepreneurship—encouraging connection, conversation, and collective imagination.
DUDLEY RECITAL HALL
With its warm acoustics and intimate setting, Dudley Recital Hall seats just over 200 and serves as the primary venue for student, faculty, and guest artist performances, as well as lecture-recitals and guest lectures. While smaller than the grand Moores Opera House, Dudley offers an inviting space ideal for a wide range of events.
ELGIN STREET STUDIOS
Opened in Summer 2020, Elgin Street Studios is the primary home for the MFA and Sculpture programs at the ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú’s Kathrine G. McGovern College of the Arts. Located in the Arts District, the facility offers spacious private and communal studios, along with fully equipped wood and metal shops, a digital lab, spray booth, outdoor work areas, graduate exhibition spaces, and gathering zones. Graduate students from disciplines including Painting, Sculpture, Photography & Video, Graphic Design, and Interdisciplinary Practices work in state-of-the-art studios designed to support experimentation, collaboration, and professional-level production.
FINE ARTS BUILDING
The Fine Arts Building is the central hub for the School of Art at the University of Houston’s Kathrine G. McGovern College of the Arts. Home to undergraduate studios, classrooms, and specialized facilities, the building supports a wide range of disciplines including graphic design, ceramics, painting, photography, printmaking, and interdisciplinary arts. Students benefit from access to shared workspaces, critique rooms, and production labs such as the Arts & Technology Center, a letterpress workshop, and state-of-the-art digital and analog equipment. Open, collaborative, and creatively charged, the Fine Arts Building is where foundational learning and artistic exploration begin.
MOORES OPERA HOUSE
Located within the ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú’s Kathrine G. McGovern College of the Arts, the Moores Opera House is a stunning, 800-seat proscenium theater known for its exceptional acoustics, striking architecture, and vibrant mural by Frank Stella. Home to the Moores School of Music’s renowned opera and large ensemble performances, the venue also hosts a wide range of concerts, lectures, and public events throughout the year. With its professional-grade production capabilities and elegant design, the Moores Opera House offers an inspiring setting for performers, students, and audiences alike.
MOORES SCHOOL OF MUSIC
The Moores School of Music at the ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú offers world-class training in performance, composition, music education, and conducting. Students benefit from access to exceptional facilities, including the state-of-the-art Moores Opera House, fully equipped rehearsal halls, dedicated practice rooms, recording studios, and smart classrooms. With a distinguished faculty and abundant performance opportunities, the school fosters artistic growth and prepares students for meaningful careers in music while contributing to Houston’s cultural landscape.
SCHOOL OF THEATRE & DANCE
The School of Theatre & Dance features a range of professional-grade spaces that support performance, production, and creative exploration. Facilities include the 565-seat Wortham Theatre and the intimate Jose Quintero Theatre, offering students varied performance environments. Spacious dance studios, fully equipped scenic and costume shops, lighting labs, rehearsal spaces, and dedicated classrooms provide comprehensive training in both theatre and dance. These spaces foster hands-on learning, interdisciplinary collaboration, and professional preparation for students pursuing careers in the performing arts.
WINSTon BAND COMPLEX
The Winston Band Complex, attached to TDECU Stadium, serves as a central hub for Moores School of Music students involved in band and wind studies. This dedicated facility includes rehearsal halls, classrooms, and instrument storage, providing an ideal environment for classes, ensemble rehearsals, and performance preparation. As the home of the Spirit of Houston Cougar Marching Band, the complex offers direct access to the stadium, blending state-of-the-art resources with the energy of campus life and game-day spirit.
Wortham theatre
The Lyndall Finley Wortham Theatre is the largest performance venue within the School of Theatre & Dance. This 565-seat proscenium theatre features a full-scale stage, professional lighting and sound systems, and advanced backstage support, making it ideal for large-scale productions in theatre and dance. As a teaching and performance space, the Wortham Theatre provides students with hands-on experience in all aspects of production, from acting and directing to design and technical theatre, in a professional-caliber environment.