Hancher continues its brilliant legacy of dance, music, and theater

Hancher Auditorium is a premier regional performing arts center that connects the University of Iowa with its vibrant surrounding community. From a hilltop overlooking the beautiful Iowa River, the new building welcomes artists and audiences to an innovative 1,800-seat proscenium theater, a black box theater, a three-story lobby and atrium, café and gift shop, and state-of-art backstage facilities. Hancher Auditorium furthers the university’s mission to give students, faculty, and staff an inspiring environment to hone ideas and bring transformative artistic works into being.

A theatrical home for performances that inspire and connect communities

Hancher’s main performance space is a distinctive 1,800-seat proscenium theater with the capacity to host a diverse range of performances. The visible catwalks and rigging equipment are painted deep blue to recede from view. Glowing circles of LED lights are woven and suspended from the ceiling, a landscape of figures that appear to expand and rise out of the space. The effect is subtle but celebratory, reflecting the transformative experience of an evening at the theater.

“The building’s curved glass and metal forms in concert with its transparency evoke a deep connection to the river and landscape and extend a welcoming invitation to the university and greater Iowa City community.” — Mitchell A. Hirsch, AIA, LEED AP