Wright Center
The Leslie S. Wright Fine Arts Center at Samford University is the premier destination for the Performing Arts in the Birmingham Metro Area. It serves the university community and has partnered with numerous local arts organizations including the Alabama Ballet, Opera Birmingham, the Alabama Dance Festival, the Birmingham Music Club, and the Alabama Symphony Orchestra.
Brock Recital Hall
Jane Hollock Brock Hall was dedicated in October 2006 and named for the wife of longtime Samford trustee and supporter Harry B. Brock, Jr. Brock Recital Hall is home to the Davis Architects Guest Artist Series and the Alabama Symphony Orchestra Concertmaster and Friends, as well as the numerous ensembles within the Division of Music. The recital hall is equipped with adjustable panels within its walls to adapt the acoustics to suit the needs of the performers. A slide show of images from the Brock Recital Hall can be viewed at the website for the Birmingham, Alabama, chapter of the American Institute for Architects.
Harrison Theatre
Named in honor of Ben F. Harrison, a longtime supporter of Samford University, Harrison Theatre opened in 1976. It features a 33-foot revolve, ample wing space, and one of the largest scene paint decks in the state. In the summer of 2021, it was renovated with new seating, accessibility platforms, safety upgrades and additional performance enhancements. It is home to the Department of Theatre and Dance's mainstage season which includes the Michael J. and Mary Anne Freeman Theatre and Dance Series.
Bolding Studio
Bolding Studio, dedicated on October 14, 2006, is named for Samford alumna Bonnie Bolding Swearingen. As a Samford student, Mrs. Swearingen participated in a variety of activities, including drama and the Samford Bands. The versatile studio named in her honor reflects her dedication to all forms of performing art. Musicals, plays, vocal and instrumental recitals, choir rehearsals, lectures, and more are presented in this intimate space.
Art Lofts
The Art Lofts is an expansive and modern educational space for visual arts faculty and students in sculpture, ceramics, painting, design and drawing. The open and bright interior features an atrium connecting two levels of classrooms, small studios, large workrooms and office space.
Swearingen Hall
Bonnie Bolding Swearingen Hall was named in 2007 for a Samford alumna and benefactor. This part of the fine arts complex includes Ben F. Harrison Theatre, the Samford Art Gallery, Bolding Studio and classrooms, offices, studios and other facilities for the theatre, dance, music and art departments.
Buchanan Hall
John H. Buchanan Hall is home to the School of the Arts Division of Music and administrative offices. It was completed in 1958 and in 1960, was named in honor of a trustee and pastor of Birmingham’s Southside Baptist Church. It is currently undergoing a complete renovation to be open in the fall of 2022.
Samford Art Gallery
The Gallery is home to exhibits throughout the year featuring works of students, faculty, alumni and guest artists. Located in Swearingen Hall, the gallery is open to the Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and free to the public.
Boren Courtyard Stage
Samford's first outdoor performance space opened last fall and is the setting of small concerts, theatre productions, opera events and more. The stage is located between Buchanan and Brock Halls.
Julie Averett Phillips Dance Studios
The Department of Theatre and Dance has two on-campus dance studios in Seibert Hall. These studios provide a practice area for both the Dance Company as well as for theatre students throughout the year.
Interior Design and Architecture Studio
The Department of Architecture and Interior Design is located on the top floor of Swearingen Hall and features a state-of-the-art studio space with offices, a design studio, project review area and conference room.
Eleanor Ousley Recording Studio located in Buchanan Hall
Located on the first floor of Buchanan Hall, the recording studio features a fully-equipped space where students can record, mix, and master instrumental and vocal musical performances.
