College of Fine Arts Historic Timeline
The College of Fine Arts provides instruction for students who seek professional careers in the arts, and provides creative and cultural opportunities for all students at the university and members of the community.
The College was developed from the School of Architecture, which was established in 1925. In 1975, the previous College of Architecture and Fine Arts was divided into two colleges, the College of Architecture and the College of Fine Arts.
In 2010, the College of Fine Arts will celebrate its 35th anniversary. Many programs, however, have flourished since the University's earliest days. The Gator Band got its start in 1914, and the Men's Glee Club was founded in 1907. The painting and drawing programs began in 1929 and became the basis for the School of Art + Art History.
1924
University Auditorium opened.
1925
Andrew Anderson Memorial Pipe Organ dedicated.
1927
Music program organized. Director coordinated performance activities including Gator Band (1914) and Men’s Glee Club (1907).
1929
Painting and drawing program established within the School of Architecture and Allied Arts.
1931
UF’s theatre program traces its roots to 1931 when Florida Players was organized.
1934
The first BFA degrees in Fine Arts awarded.
1948
Division of Music organized. The painting and drawing program became the Department of Art.
1956
College of Architecture and Fine Arts created with a Division of Fine Arts (Departments of Art and Music) and a Division of Architecture and Allied Arts (Departments of Architecture, Building Construction and Community Planning).
1965
Architecture and Fine Arts complex, including University Gallery, completed. Art Department’s Annual Art Faculty Exhibition inaugurated.
1967
Constans Theatre opened.
1971
Music Building dedicated with a festival featuring American composer, Aaron Copland.
1974
Friends of Music organized.
1975
College of Architecture and Fine Arts divided into two colleges. Department of Theatre created.
1977
University Auditorium renovated with new lobby and Friends of Music Room.
1979
Century Tower Carillon dedicated.
1988
Center for the Arts and Public Policy established.
1990
Samuel P. Harn Museum of Art opened.
1992
Curtis M. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts opened.
1993
Renovated Andrew Anderson Memorial Pipe Organ dedicated in gala music festival.
1994
UF became partner of the award-winning New World School of the Arts in Miami.
1996
Center for World Arts established.
1998
Academic units renamed: School of Art and Art History, School of Music, Department of Theatre and Dance.
1999
Center for the Arts in Healthcare Research and Education established.
2000
Digital Worlds Institute, co-sponsored by Colleges of Fine Arts and Engineering, established. Baughman Meditation Center dedicated. University of Florida Performing Arts established.
2004
Nadine McGuire Theatre and Dance Pavilion, including renovated Constans Theatre, dedicated as new home of the newly named School of Theatre and Dance.
2007
University Auditorium renovated.
2008
Steinbrenner Band Hall dedicated.
