Regional Performing-Arts Center

In 1956, when Dartmouth's Hopkins Center for the Performing Arts was planned, the combination in a rural location of galleries, studio workshops, theaters, recital halls, rehearsal rooms, a fastfood eatery, and a post office was unprecedented. The $7.5 million facility became a model for university cultural facilities throughout North America. In the ensuing four decades Hopkins Center spinoffs became almost as commonplace on campuses as gymnasiums.

But the Hop's most important progeny are its former students, including Jerry Zaks '67, Pilobolus, and numerous Hollywood writers, performers, and executives.

The Hop set the stage for other centers.