Snøhetta, the renowned architectural firm, has revealed a stunning new design for the Hopkins Center for the Arts at Dartmouth.

Snhetta and Dartmouth have joined forces to revitalize and expand the Hopkins Center for the Arts (the Hop) in Hanover, New Hampshire. This exciting project will breathe new life into the campus's Arts District, creating a fresh entrance and introducing new practice and performance spaces, improved connections to neighboring arts buildings, and enhanced accessibility.

Situated on the campus of Dartmouth College, the Hopkins Center for the Arts houses the Hopkins Center for the Performing Arts, the Hood Museum of Art, and the Dickey Center for International Understanding. Throughout the year, the Center hosts a diverse range of events and performances, including music, dance, exhibitions, and lectures.

The expansion and renovation of the existing center aim to create a revitalized institution that pays homage to its historical roots. The redesigned architecture will provide artists and audiences with a modern performance space that complements the original design by Wallace K. Harrison, while also offering new interactive experiences for the public. Snhetta has preserved iconic features of the building, including its distinctive arches, and beloved areas like "The Top of the Hop," Moore Theatre, and Spaulding Auditorium.

The unique topography of Hanover, visible in the campus layout, and the town's blend of rugged and elegant architectural styles shape the experience for students and visitors alike. Serving as a gateway to the university and a vital gathering place, the building connects the Green, the heart of the campus, to the town. Snhetta's design draws inspiration from the surrounding New England urban fabric, as well as the local mountains and natural ecologies, to create an inviting atmosphere on campus.

The building's mid-20th century curves inspire the design of the external plaza, which encourages natural movement and directs people towards areas for gathering, meeting, and entering. Designed with the everyday lives of students and staff in mind, it provides visitors with glimpses into the dynamic artistic processes taking place within the building.

Construction is scheduled to commence in late 2022, with the facility set to reopen in 2025. Throughout the renovation, the Hop will continue to present a diverse range of live events and programming across the Dartmouth campus, ensuring that the artistic spirit thrives even during the construction phase.

The new Forum lobby will serve as a vibrant hub for students, faculty, and staff to meet and socialize. Connected to the plaza and ground level through a central stairwell, the new Recital Hall and Performance Lab offer stunning views of the Baker Library Tower and the Sugar Maples on the Green. The Recital Hall, with its 150 seats and glass-enclosed lantern design, welcomes abundant natural light. State-of-the-art audio-visual equipment will empower students to create their own performance media, and the Hop will become a digital broadcasting hub for performances.

A new Dance Studio, featuring clerestory windows facing north, has been constructed beneath the Forum. It boasts ample natural light and views of the plaza's tree canopy, offering ballet dancers a comfortable and well-lit space with its 24-foot ceiling height. The renovation will also include upgrades to the 900-seat Spaulding Auditorium and the beloved Top of the Hop, a popular meeting spot for Dartmouth students and faculty. The lower level of the Hop, including the Theater Rehearsal Lab, will undergo remodeling as part of the renovation process.