Lisner Auditorium records
Collection Scope and Content
Materials in this collection include programs, posters, contracts, fiscal reports, correspondence, and photographs. They range in date from 1946 to 2005. Since it opened the auditorium has hosted many famous performing artists, including: Bill Monroe, Chick Corea, George Benson, Jay Leno, Joe Cocker, Mummenschanz, Pete Seeger, Supertramp, David Benoit, Twyla Tharp, Blues Traveler, Sheryl Crow, Branford Marsalis, The Knack, as well as local groups. The materials were transferred to the University Archives by the Director of the Lisner Auditorium.
Dates
- Creation: 1946-2005
Creator
- George Washington University. Lisner Auditorium (Organization)
Restrictions on Access
Some records may be restricted.
Restrictions on Use
Some material may be copyrighted or restricted. It is the patron's obligation to determine and satisfy copyright or other case restrictions when publishing or otherwise distributing materials found in the collections.
Historical or Biographical Note
The George Washington University's Lisner Auditorium was named for Abram Lisner, University Trustee (1909-17, 1919-38), who bequeathed money in his will for its construction. Abram Lisner was a merchant, philanthropist, and University Trustee. The cornerstone was laid in 1941 and construction completed in 1943. The auditorium contains the mural of Augustus Vincent Tack. Lisner Auditorium was opened (for commercial use) in the fall of 1946 and for many years was the only sizeable facility of its kind in Washington. Mrs. Susan Whitney Dimock also bequeathed money for the Dimock Gallery, located next to the lower Lisner Lounge.
Lisner Auditorium is an important cultural resource for the city of Washington and offers a skillfully executed architectural achievement for the University campus. Designed by Waldron Faulkner of the architectural firm, Faulkner and Kingsbury, it was built by Charles H. Tompkins.
The auditorium is composed of marble with a spare, even extreme, design. While its inspiration is classical, the architects abstracted the design from the cube. The building stands as a geometric expression and contribution to period architecture. For many years it hosted GW's commencement exercises, and in the days before the Kennedy Center, it was the major focus of Washington. D.C. theater life.
The Director of Lisner reports to the Vice President for Information and Administration Services.
N.B. This history note was written in 2005
Extent
125.75 Linear Feet
Language of Materials
English
Abstract
Materials in this collection include programs, posters, contracts, fiscal reports, correspondence, and photographs. They range in date from 1946 to 2005.
Collection Organization
Organized into 57 series: Posters, Programs, Flyers, Pamphlets, Office Records, Photographs, Schedules, LP albums, Financial records, Contracts, Audio tapes.
Other materials note
Please note that MS2135 Series 7 Box 28 Folder 25 contains material related to the Lisner-Louise Dickson-Hurt Home and also the Will of Abraham Lisner.
Acquisition Information
The materials were transferred to the University Archives by the Director of the Lisner Auditorium.
MMSid
9984420353604107
Subject
- Seeger, Pete (Person)
- Supertramp (Musical group) (Person)
- Tharp, Twyla (Person)
- Lisner, Abram (Person)
- Marsalis, Branford (Person)
- Monroe, Bill (Person)
- George Washington University (Organization)
- Leno, Jay (Person)
- Cocker, Joe (Person)
- Mummenschanz (Group) (Organization)
- Corea, Chick (Person)
- Crow, Sheryl (Person)
- Blues Traveler (Musical group) (Organization)
- Dimock, Susan Whitney (Person)
- Benoit, David (Person)
- Benson, George (Person)
- Knack (Musical group) (Organization)
Genre / Form
Geographic
Topical
- Title
- Preliminary Guide to the Lisner Auditorium records, 1946-2005
- Author
- Special Collections Research Center, The George Washington University
- Date
- 2007
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
- Language of description note
- Finding aid written in English
Repository Details
Part of the Special Collections Research Center, The George Washington University Repository
George Washington University Gelman Library
2130 H Street NW
Washington DC 20052 United States of America
speccoll@gwu.edu
