Wharton Center’s story begins long before the Chicago Symphony graced the Cobb Great Hall stage on opening night, September 25, 1982. Whether it’s extraordinary shows drawing sold-out crowds, countless programs integrating the arts and academics or the engagement activities that take Wharton Center into the community, it's work is driven to enrich lives and strengthen the value of the arts in everyday life.

Since that first night in 1982, Wharton Center has generated state and national prominence for its success with touring mega hits and sold-out sensations, as well as commissioning new works by up-and-coming artists, opening the door to a new generation of performers and patrons. 

The iconic MSU Auditorium had been the home of performing arts on campus since 1939, when First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt attended its opening ceremony. Originally constructed as a multi-use facility, the space also needed to host college dances, commencements, speakers, and the Farmers’ Week convention.

That made it slightly less hospitable to performers, in particular those such as violinist Jascha Heifetz, soprano Beverly Sills and the Berlin Philharmonic.

Conversations began as early as the 1950s regarding a dedicated performing arts facility. But it wasn’t until Dr. Clifton R. Wharton Jr. arrived to serve as MSU president from 1970-78 that the dream began to take shape.

Dr. Wharton was instrumental in driving a fundraising campaign for the proposed facility, working to raise more than $1 million from campus organizations to launch the effort. The plan was to raise $11 million for the construction; the project ultimately cost $24.6 million.

Wharton Center’s story encompasses much more than a long list of impressive performances that have graced its stages.

Arts education and engagement are at the heart of the work, taking Wharton Center out into the community to connect with students, teachers and families, and creating unique programs to offer access to all kinds of audiences. Projects include Eye for Broadway—bringing the performing arts and visual arts together in the classroom; Sensory-Friendly Performances; and the many Wharton Center Institute for Arts & Creativity programs.

This sense of connection—to community and to ourselves—is essential to the core belief that there is no greater purpose than to help make our world a better place. Through the performing arts and arts education, Center is committed to shaping our world into something remarkable.