Swarthout Recital Hall in Murphy Hall on the University of Kansas campus opened in the late 1950’s. Prior to this project there have been no major renovations. This renovation project included the complete demolition and re-construction of the interior space. According to Robert Walzel, Dean of the KU School of Music, the 300 seat music Swarthout Recital Hall is the most used concert venue in the State.
The recital hall received updated accessibility and acoustics, along with new seating and architectural enhancements that have made the new Swarthout a premiere performance space. The unusual shape and detailing of the “ceiling clouds” provides a distinctive look, feel, and acoustic quality to the new recital hall. The new wood wall panels were made of Makore, a unique wood species that grows in Africa. This wood was selected for its straight grain and even texture. Madrone wood flooring on the stage and aisles complement the wall panels, and is another unique wood that grows only in the Pacific Northwest.
