Interior Recital Hall
The new Recital Hall will support the creation and presentation of musical performances and features spectacular views of the iconic Baker Library Tower. Courtesy Snøhetta & Methanoia

Hop Project FAQ

What is the vision for the new Hopkins Center?

The Hopkins Center will increase its capacity to serve as a vital hub for artistic experiences at Dartmouth, uniting diverse art forms under one roof as it has since its opening in 1962. Every element of the design reflects the core principles of welcoming, gathering, and creating, as foundational to the strategic vision for the Hop's building and program as well as the Arts District more broadly. 

As an essential component of the Dartmouth liberal arts experience, the arts produce curious, creative, empathetic human beings. The revitalized Hop will advance Dartmouth's mission and enhance opportunities for artistic exploration and growth, inspiring students, faculty, staff, alumni, and welcoming visitors from across New England and beyond.

  • create spaces that inspire a sense of welcome, allow for social and artistic gathering, and support our resident artists, students, and faculty in creating.
  • make the arts central to the liberal arts experience and anchor the vibrant Dartmouth Arts District
  • forge interdisciplinary connections and support the development of ambitious work 
  • meet the growing need for student learning and expression in the arts
  • and expand the Hop's position as a cultural center in the region 


What is the scope of the Hop project?
The project will create a new wing that includes approximately 15,000 square feet of entirely new space and transforms an additional 55,000 square feet of existing space within the building. It will reimagine the function and flow of the Hop, by: 

  • creating open and flexible performance and rehearsal spaces that will meet artists' current and future demands and enhance audience engagement
  • substantially improving accessibility and technological capabilities throughout the building
  • establishing new spaces for gathering as well as connections between indoor spaces and the new plaza landscape

The new wing also complements the Hop's original architecture by Harrison and Abramovitz, maintaining key building components such as the iconic arches, the beloved Top of the Hop, Moore Theater, Spaulding Auditorium, and Warner Bentley Theater.
    

What are the key design elements? 
Explore the new and redesigned spaces.


How does the Hop project relate to the wider Arts District?
The Hop project reflects Dartmouth's ongoing commitment to its Arts District, which includes the Hood Museum of Art, redesigned by Tod Williams and Billie Tsien Architects in 2019 and the Black Family Visual Arts Center, completed in 2012 by Machado Silvetti.


How was the scope of the project determined?
The scope was based on a 2018-19 study of the Hop's space conducted by ARUP consultants, which assessed the Hop's current space use, functional opportunities, and constraints on programmatic goals across the Hop, and research conducted in 2020-2021 by Snøhetta. Input from Dartmouth students, faculty, alumni, and community members was part of the ARUP programmatic study. The ARUP study identified opportunities for reimagining the Hop to support greater and more ambitious creation of cross-disciplinary work on-site and to meet the growing demand of students and faculty for artistic expression and experiences. 

Snøhetta furthered this work with an architectural plan that focused on the tenets of "Welcome, Gather, and Create."


What is the timeline for the construction and reopening of the Hop?
Construction is underway, and the new, transformed Hop will reopen in 2025.


Will the Hop continue to offer programming during the construction process?
Yes. Throughout construction, the Hop will continue to offer a range of in-person performances and programs across different parts of the Dartmouth campus, in collaboration with other venues in the region, and within the building itself when possible. Some spaces and venues within the Hop are expected to remain open at later points throughout the construction process. Hop leaders have been working to ensure that students have spaces to create, rehearse, and present work during the interim period before the redesign is complete.


What is the budget for the Hop project?
The budget for the Hop project is $88 million


How is the project being funded?
The re-imagining of the Hop marks a new milestone in Dartmouth's decade-long, $190 million investment in its Arts District, and is also part of College's eight-year, more than $3 billion "The Call to Lead" campaign, which aims to dramatically expand experiential learning opportunities within Dartmouth's liberal arts educational model. The Hop Project is primarily funded through private philanthropy. 


Who is the architect and how were they selected?
The project is being led by the New York office of the renowned design practice Snøhetta.  Dartmouth selected Snøhetta because of their extensive experience in honoring historic architecture and seamlessly merging it with forward-looking design.  Its expertise in creating dynamic relationships between interior and exterior spaces and with existing built and natural landscapes was equally important to the decision.

A selection committee comprised of Dartmouth leadership from across the campus invited 15 architectural firms to submit proposals for the Hopkins Center project. From those that responded, three were selected to submit detailed proposals. Snøhetta—with their strong sense of collaboration and broad experience designing inviting cultural spaces—was awarded the project.


Is accessibility being improved as part of the project? 
Yes, the project will improve interior and exterior accessibility in both new and existing spaces for visitors and artists alike. 


How does sustainability factor into the project? 
As part of President Philip J. Hanlon's '77 sustainability and efficiency goals, there is a Dartmouth Sustainable Energy Project underway throughout the campus. Sustainability is a key aspect of the Hop project, which includes the following sustainability strategies: 

  • eliminate steam units from the building and replace with highly efficient air handling units, which will reduce energy use intensity and carbon emissions 
  • reuse existing building materials, and use sustainable materials, including local and Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified materials with low VOCs
  • use energy efficient LED lighting, including smart lighting systems with occupancy and vacancy sensors


How can I stay informed?
Join the Hop mailing list and Subscribe to Dartmouth News.


Who can I contact regarding my questions about the Hop project?
We'd love to hear your thoughts. Please email Hop leadership at hopkins.center@dartmouth.edu.