UM Hill Auditorium 1913

Discover the fascinating story behind the stage in “A Space for Music, A Seat for Everyone.” The video documentary chronicles Hill Auditorium, one of the most storied venues in the United States. Produced by the University Musical Society (UMS), the program is available online at ums.org/hill100.

One of the performing arts jewels of the University of Michigan, Hill Auditorium opened on May 14, 1913. Designed by the renowned architect Albert Kahn and boasting one of the world’s finest acoustical designs, Hill Auditorium has been a true cultural incubator for the arts community in southeast Michigan for the past 100 years.

With a rich history of performances by the world’s top artists, Hill Auditorium is a shining example of how investment in the arts cultivates a vibrant, engaged community.

Through concert recordings, news articles, and anecdotal interviews, A Space for Music, A Seat for Everyone: 100 Years of UMS Performances in Hill Auditorium provides historical context for the auditorium’s role as a UMS anchor venue and highlights its evolving community function.

Find out more about the film:

We hope you tune in, and thank you for being part of the UMS experience.

Sponsored by AnnArbor.com, part of the MLive Media Group. Presented with support from Detroit Public Television.

The image above was made on Opening Night at Hill Auditorium, May 14, 1913.