Moss Arts Center | Blacksburg

Location and Context

The Moss Arts Center is located at 190 Alumni Mall in downtown Blacksburg, Virginia, adjacent to the Virginia Tech campus. Its strategic placement serves as a cultural gateway between the university and the town, integrating campus life with the broader community. Positioned at a prominent intersection near Main Street and Alumni Mall, the center is easily accessible by foot, car, or public transit, with multiple parking options nearby for visitors attending events or exhibitions.

Architectural Design and Features

Designed by the internationally renowned architectural firm Snøhetta, the Moss Arts Center showcases a modern, innovative approach while honoring the architectural heritage of Virginia Tech’s campus. The building exterior incorporates Hokie Stone, the signature local limestone used extensively on campus, blending tradition with contemporary design elements such as expansive glass walls and sleek metal framing.

The facility covers approximately 147,000 square feet, housing multiple performance venues, gallery spaces, and technologically advanced studios. It is celebrated for its bold, sculptural design that emphasizes openness, natural light, and connectivity with the surrounding landscape and campus.

Key architectural highlights include:

Hokie Stone Facade: Grounded in local materials, the stone exterior provides a tactile connection to the university’s identity.

Large Glass Windows: These create transparency between interior spaces and outdoor public areas, inviting natural light and enhancing visitor experience.

Fluid Indoor-Outdoor Spaces: The design integrates courtyards, patios, and an outdoor amphitheater that extend programming and social gatherings beyond the building walls.

Major Facilities

Anne and Ellen Fife Theatre in the Street and Davis Performance Hall

A state-of-the-art auditorium with seating for approximately 1,260 people.

The stage features a removable orchestral shell to accommodate a wide range of performances, from classical music and theater productions to dance and multimedia presentations.

Cutting-edge lighting, sound, and projection systems ensure world-class production quality.

The flexible design supports large-scale productions and intimate performances alike.

The Cube (Collaborative Performance Lab)

A unique, four-story immersive space designed for experimental and interdisciplinary arts.

Equipped with advanced projection technology, motion capture, and sound systems.

Supports virtual reality, interactive installations, and collaborative research between artists, engineers, and scientists.

Home to the Institute for Creativity, Arts, and Technology (ICAT), which fosters innovation in art and technology integration.

Art Galleries

The center contains multiple galleries, including the Ruth C. Horton Gallery, Miles C. Horton Jr. Gallery, Sherwood Payne Quillen Reception Gallery, and the Francis T. Eck Exhibition Corridor.

These spaces host rotating exhibitions ranging from contemporary visual art, sculpture, photography, to student and faculty artwork.

The galleries provide a platform for local, regional, and international artists, supporting Virginia Tech’s mission of fostering artistic creativity and cultural exchange.

Outdoor Facilities

The Leon Harris '64 and Beverly Harris Amphitheatre serves as a venue for outdoor concerts, theater performances, film screenings, and community gatherings.

Courtyard patios create inviting social spaces for visitors, event attendees, and performers to relax and engage before or after shows.

Educational and Community Engagement

The Moss Arts Center is not only a performance and exhibition space but also a vibrant hub for education, outreach, and creative collaboration.

It hosts masterclasses, workshops, artist talks, and school-day matinees that engage thousands of K-12 students annually.

Virginia Tech students benefit from unique experiential learning opportunities through internships, research projects, and collaborative performances.

The center’s programming reflects a commitment to diversity and inclusion, showcasing artists and works from a wide range of cultural backgrounds and artistic disciplines.

Through partnerships with local schools and community organizations, the Moss Arts Center enhances access to arts education across the region.

Sustainability and LEED Certification

The Moss Arts Center has earned LEED Gold certification, reflecting its commitment to environmental sustainability. Design and construction incorporated:

Energy-efficient HVAC and lighting systems to reduce operational carbon footprint.

Use of locally sourced and recycled materials, notably the Hokie Stone.

Water-saving fixtures and landscaping designed for minimal irrigation.

Waste reduction strategies during construction and ongoing facility management.

This approach aligns with Virginia Tech’s broader sustainability goals and models green building practices for future projects.

Programming and Notable Events

Since its opening in 2013, the Moss Arts Center has hosted:

Over 280 renowned guest artists and ensembles, including celebrated figures such as Yo-Yo Ma, Dance Theater of Harlem, and David Sedaris.

More than 100 visual art exhibitions presenting diverse artistic media and themes.

Over 1,200 engagement events, including community workshops, performances, and festivals.

Programming caters to a broad audience, from university students and faculty to residents of Blacksburg and visitors from the surrounding region.

The center’s eclectic mix of performances includes classical and contemporary music, theater, dance, film, multimedia presentations, and experimental arts, fostering a rich cultural ecosystem.

Visitor Experience and Amenities

Visitors to the Moss Arts Center enjoy:

A welcoming, modern lobby with ticketing and visitor information.

Convenient parking options nearby, with detailed signage and accessible pathways.

On-site box office with flexible hours (typically Tuesday through Saturday).

Multiple galleries and public spaces free for casual exploration when no performances are scheduled.

The outdoor amphitheater and courtyard areas offer pleasant settings for socializing or informal performances.

Accessibility features including wheelchair access, assistive listening devices, and accommodations for diverse needs.

Summary

The Moss Arts Center at Virginia Tech stands as a cutting-edge, multidisciplinary cultural facility that enhances the university’s arts education mission and serves as a vital community resource. Combining innovative architecture, advanced technology, and diverse programming, the center provides a dynamic environment for the creation, presentation, and appreciation of the arts. Its integration of sustainability principles and community engagement initiatives further elevates its role as a beacon for cultural enrichment in Blacksburg and beyond.