History of Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 13, 2025

The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center (FAC) is an arts center situated north of downtown Colorado Springs, Colorado. It shares its city block with the American Numismatic Association and a section of the Colorado College campus. The FAC serves as a cultural hub, offering a wide array of artistic experiences to the community.

April 1936: Grand Opening

In April 1936, the Fine Arts Center held its grand opening. Martha Graham performed Lamentation-Dance of Sorrow; Frank Lloyd Wright lectured about the building; Manuel de Falla performed an opera; and Alexander Calder created stage design for Eric Satie's "Socrate."

1936: Alice Bemis Taylor Funds Construction

In 1936, Alice Bemis Taylor provided $600,000 to fund the construction of the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center. She also donated $400,000 for an endowment and her art collections.

1940: Silver Medal at Pan American Congress of Architecture

In 1940, John Gaw Meem's design for the Fine Arts Center received a Silver Medal at the Fifth Quadrennial Pan American Congress of Architecture, recognizing its modern design.

2006: Expansion of the Fine Arts Center

In 2006, the Fine Arts Center underwent an expansion of over 48,000 square feet, which included a new wing for the Bemis School of Art and additional exhibition space.