SMU’s historic McFarlin Auditorium shines even more after restoration’s second act

By Milan Khatami
SMU News

DALLAS (SMU) – Nearly a year after the restoration of SMU’s historic McFarlin Auditorium made its debut, the curtain has lifted on some dazzling details resulting from phase two of the multimillion-dollar renovation project.

Visitors to the 1926 venue will notice sophisticated new stenciling work in the stairwells, second-floor mezzanine lobby and third-floor hallway. Designed by Conrad Schmitt Studios Inc., the restoration specialists responsible for earlier updates to McFarlin (as well as Dallas Hall and Perkins Chapel), the pattern includes Grecian urns and musical lyres, designs that figure prominently in both exterior and interior accents.

Additionally, mirrors in the second-floor lobby are now bordered by gilt- and floral-accented frames molded with existing trimming from McFarlin Auditorium’s stage. In each corner is the McFarlin “M,” centered in a shield — a pattern inspired by one within stained glass windows that once existed in the building.

Large ceiling medallions, above light fixtures on first-floor stairwell landings, are original to the building, and were discovered under a dropped ceiling that was removed during renovations last summer. The medallions were returned to their former glory thanks to gold paint, gold leafing and glazing work.

Anyone wishing to see what McFarlin Director of Operations Denton Bricker calls “the new old McFarlin” can do so during special events, such as its renowned Willis M. Tate Lecture Series, or during its daily business hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more details about McFarlin Auditorium, visit http://www.smu.edu/businessfinance/campusservices/mcfarlin or call 214-768-3139.

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