Did you know the College of Fine Arts began as the School of Fine and Applied Arts in 1954? It merged the College of Music with other departments. This union created a hub for artistic expression.
Let’s explore the history of the College of Fine Arts. The College of Music, now the School of Music, started in 1872. It was part of a theology program. In 1929, it focused on educating music teachers. The Department of Theatre came from the School of Public Relations and Communication. Art classes were offered on Garrison Street since 1919.
In the mid to late 1950s, Boston University acquired property along Commonwealth Avenue. In 1958, the College of Fine Arts opened at 855 Comm Ave. In 1966, the Boston University Tanglewood Institute was founded. It became a premier training program for young musicians.
In 1974, the School of Fine and Applied Arts became the School for the Arts. Divisions became Schools. In 2001, it was renamed College of Fine Arts. Today, the College of Fine Arts includes Boston University Art Galleries and Wheelock Family Theatre.
The College of Fine Arts building at 855 Commonwealth Avenue has its own story. In 1919, this area was Boston’s Auto Mile. The building was the finest Buick dealership. After the College of Fine Arts moved in, it became a place for artists to learn and imagine.
Traces of the building’s industrial past remain. Mechanic gargoyles can still be seen. The showrooms now house art galleries and studios. Painting studios offer views of the Charles River. The architecture complements concerts and exhibitions. In 2020, renovations improved accessibility. Arched windows were opened. Passersby can now peek inside the Stone Gallery.
Just across the street is 808 Comm Ave. It houses the Opera Institute and 808 Gallery. Visual arts facilities are also located here. These include printmaking, painting, and graphic design studios. The Howard Thurman Center is also in this building.
Sharing an alley with 808 is the Joan and Edgar Booth Theatre at 820 Commonwealth Ave. The Booth Theatre and the College of Fine Arts Production Center provide opportunities for students to experiment. The dramatic arts complex earned LEED Silver Certification for its green features.
The Boston University College of Fine Arts trains artists and filmmakers. Students can take courses in other undergraduate colleges. Study abroad programs are available in London and Dresden. Admission requires an audition or portfolio submission.
The School of Music is the oldest degree-granting music program in the United States. It offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. Concentrations include performance, music theory, and musicology. The school has about 150 faculty members.
The School of Visual Arts offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Areas of study include graphic design, art education, and sculpture. The School of Theatre is a conservatory-style training program. It emphasizes collaboration.
Many notable alumni have come from the College of Fine Arts. These include actors, musicians, and visual artists. Jason Alexander, Geena Davis, and Uzo Aduba are among them. The College of Fine Arts continues to be a beacon for the arts. It inspires artists in Boston and around the world.