Foellinger Auditorium is a building on the University of Illinois campus located in Champaign-Urbana. It is the southernmost building on the main quad, and is directly across the quad from the Illini Union. Its sheer size and and dome shape make it one university’s most recognizable buildings, and it has served the university for over one hundred years.[1] It is the University's largest lecture hall, and also often hosts public lectures, concerts, and students performances. Since Foellinger Auditorium's initial construction in 1907, it has undergone many changes, inlcuding two renovations and a rededication in honor of Helene Foellinger.
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| Built | 1907 |
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| Architect | Clarence H. Blackall |
| Capacity | 2,500 (pre-renovation) 1,936 post renovation |
| Rededication | To Helene Foellinger in 1983 |
| Current Uses | Classes, public lectures, concerts, student performances |
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History of Foellinger Auditorium
editDespite funding shortages, construction of Foellinger Auditorium begain and ended in 1907.[2]It was originally dedicated in the honor of Edward MacDowell (a world famous composer), and did not obtain the Foellinger moniker until later in its history. It was designed by Clarence H. Blackall, a University of Illinois graduate of the class of 1877.[1]Blackall was a specialist in theater design, with many other theaters to his name including the Wilbur and Colonial theaters in Boston.
Blackall’s original plan was for an auditorium that would cover 30,000 square feet, have a copper dome, and 2,500 seats.[1]Although $200,000 was requested for the building’s construction, the State Legislature only allocated $100,000 to the project and Blackall had to scale back his original design. Instead of copper, the building was built with a sheet metal dome, and no backstage was originally included. However, despite some deviations from Blackall's original plan, upon the building’s completion and its two day dedication on November 4th and 5th, 1907, it still was capable of holding 2,500 students, more than the entire student body at the time.[1]Patrons of the new auditorium noticed an odd echo during the dedication speeches and this led university physicist's to examine the relatively new area of acoustics.[1]
Renovations
editFoellinger Auditoirum was renovated in 1937 and 1970.[1] The first renovation in 1937 included a major seat replacement project, which reduced the seating capacity from 2,500 to 1,936 seats (the current capacity).[1] The renovation also added dressing rooms and the ceiling was lowered to help eliminate the echo. In 1970 many campus planners were suggesting the now worn down Foellinger Auditorium be destroyed. However, thanks to a generous gift from Helene Foellinger, the auditorium was instead renovated again, built and refinished to Blackall’s original design. Wings and a backstage area were added the sheet metal roof was replaced for a copper one.[2]
Brief History of Helene Foellinger
editHelene Foellinger was born in Fort Wayne Indiana and was South Side High School’s valedictorian for the class of 1928.[3]She graduated from the University of Illinois in 1933 with a degree in math. Upon graduating, Helene worked for her father’s newspaper, the News-Sentinell. When her father unexpectedly died in 1936, Helene took over the newspaper at the young age of 25.[3] An early pioneer in the business world for women, Helen increased the readership and profits of the News-Sentinel. Helen and her mother, Esther, established the Foellinger Foundation in 1958. The foundation currently distributes about $8 million annually to worthy causes, and focuses on helping children and families.[3]
Current Uses
editFoellinger Auditorium is currently used as a large lecture hall, and many University of Illinois students have had a class in Foellinger. Foellinger is also used for guest speakers, performances, and other events.
Past Speakers
editFoellinger Auditorium has had the honor of hosting many distinguished guest speakers througout its history. What follows is a very brief list of speakers who have graced Foellinger Auditorium with their presence over the years. John Phillip Sousa (1909), Jane Addams (1915), Robert Frost (1929), Duke Ellington (1948), Eleanor Roosevelt (1956), Ravi Shankar (1961), R. Buckminster Fuller (1974), Maya Angelou (1996), Bill Gates (2004).[1]
Upcoming Events
editClick below for a full listing of upcoming events at Foellinger Auditorium.
Bibliography
editFoellinger Auditorium. 2007. The Board of Trustees at the University of Illinois. October 2, 2008. <http://www.foellinger.uiuc.edu/index.html>
University of Illinois: Campus Tours. Kalev Leetaru. October 2, 2008. <http://uitours.ncsa.uiuc.edu/museumsentertainment/foellinger/>
Helene Foellinger: Pioneer in the Industry. Chelsea Brune. July 7, 2008. <http://fwnextweb1.fortwayne.com/ns/projects/175anniv/0707anniv2.php>