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The Unique Auditorium In Cambridge Is The Only One Of Its Kind In Massachusetts

Kresge Auditorium at MIT, designed by Eero Saarinen, is a standout piece of mid-century modern architecture known for its impressive design and state-of-the-art acoustics.

Published Feb 8, 2022

Written by 

Melissa Mahoney

The Bay State has a number of unique attributes and attractions including a paper house, the oldest light station in the country, and a rocking horse graveyard. It is also home to some of the most awe-inspiring architecture in the country. If you find yourself in Cambridge, head to the campus of MIT where you will find what may be considered the most unique building in Massachusetts.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is one of the top educational institutions in the world. Its campus has several impressive buildings, but there is one that stands out among the rest.

A modern glass building with a curved roof, surrounded by green grass and trees under a clear blue sky.
Madcoverboy/Wikimedia Commons

MIT's Kresge Auditorium was designed by Finnish-American architect Eero Saarinen (the same architect who designed the famed TWA Flight Center in New York). Kresge was built between 1953 and 1955 as a stand-out, mid-century modern creation on campus. One of the main building materials used was reinforced concrete.

A modern building with a curved glass facade, illuminated at night, surrounded by green grass and festive lights.
Chris Rycroft/Flickr

In 1955, Kresge Auditorium was dedicated as "the meeting house of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology." And that is certainly what it's become.

A modern building with a curved glass roof and large windows, set in a landscaped area.
Beyond My Ken/Wikimedia Commons

The auditorium is a welcoming gathering place for all and is used mainly for MIT Music and Theatre Arts Productions as well as for student organizations.

A brightly lit building at night, featuring colorful light projections and people walking outside.
Victor H/Google

Inside is a performance hall with 1,200 seats as well as a smaller 200-seat theatre, rehearsal rooms, dressing rooms, lounges, and offices.

Interior of a concert hall featuring colorful seating, a stage with curtains, and a large pipe organ in the background.
Samuel Goertz/Google

Due to the way the roof was constructed, the hall has unobstructed views. There is really no bad seat in the house. And the acoustics throughout the building are state-of-the-art.

A spacious auditorium with a wooden stage, curved ceiling, and empty seats, ready for a presentation.
Zuolin Tu/Google

Kresge Auditorium is an awe-inspiring piece of modern, minimalist architecture that seems to look even more impressive when all aglow at night.

A modern building with a curved roof and large glass windows, set in an urban environment at night.
Chris Rycroft/Flickr

What are your thoughts on MIT's Kresge Auditorium? Do you find it to be the most unique building in Massachusetts? Share your thoughts in the comments. You can read more about Kresge Auditorium on the MIT website.

Have you ever seen Simmons Hall on the MIT campus as well? It is another extraordinary work of architecture. Head to this post to check it out!

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