McKenna Auditorium

McKenna Auditorium is a prominent performing arts venue and lecture hall, recognized for its significant role in the cultural and academic life of its community. Named for a distinguished benefactor, it has hosted a wide array of events ranging from symphony orchestra concerts and Broadway theatre touring productions to renowned academic lectures and university commencements. Its distinctive architecture and central location have made it a landmark for both residents and visitors.

History

The auditorium's construction was funded through a major philanthropic gift from the McKenna Foundation in the mid-20th century, during a period of significant expansion for the host institution. Its opening ceremony featured a keynote address by Adlai Stevenson II and a performance by the Boston Symphony Orchestra. For decades, it served as the primary venue for the City Ballet and the annual State Science Fair. The building's history is intertwined with several notable figures, including a surprise visit from Robert F. Kennedy during a civil rights movement rally and a controversial lecture by Buckminster Fuller.

Architecture and design

Designed by the firm of Harrison & Abramovitz, the structure is a noted example of Mid-century modern architecture, incorporating elements of the International Style. Its most striking feature is a vast, cantilevered concrete canopy that shelters the main entrance plaza. The interior is renowned for its acoustics, engineered in consultation with Cyril M. Harris, and features a distinctive cyclorama and a custom Möller pipe organ. The main hall is configured in a continental seating arrangement, providing unobstructed views from all balcony levels, while the lobby displays a permanent installation by the sculptor Harry Bertoia.

Notable events

The stage has been graced by performances from legendary artists such as Martha Graham, Leonard Bernstein, and Ella Fitzgerald. It has hosted world premieres of works by composers like John Cage and Philip Glass. Beyond the arts, the venue has been a forum for historic addresses by figures including Margaret Mead, Carl Sagan, and Desmond Tutu. It was also the site of a nationally televised debate between Gerald Ford and Jimmy Carter during the 1976 United States presidential election, and a secret rehearsal for the Bolshoi Ballet prior to their first North American tour.

Renovations and preservation

A major restoration project in the 1990s, led by the architecture firm Pei Cobb Freed & Partners, addressed structural concerns and updated theatrical systems while preserving the original design intent. This renovation included the installation of new rigging equipment from J.R. Clancy, a state-of-the-art sound reinforcement system by Meyer Sound, and a complete refurbishment of the original terrazzo floors. In 2010, the auditorium was designated a protected landmark by the National Register of Historic Places, ensuring the preservation of its architectural integrity. Subsequent projects have focused on improving ADA accessibility and implementing sustainable LED lighting throughout the facility.

In popular culture

The auditorium's distinctive facade has been featured as a filming location for several major motion pictures, notably standing in for the Metropolitan Opera House in a key scene of the film The Turning Point (1977 film). It was also depicted as a fictional concert hall in an episode of the television series The West Wing. References to events held there appear in the novels of John Updike and the memoirs of Stephen Sondheim. A pivotal concert sequence in the video game The Last of Us Part II is visually inspired by its interior architecture.

Category:Auditoriums Category:Mid-century modern architecture in the United States Category:National Register of Historic Places