Phi Beta Kappa Memorial Hall

Phi Beta Kappa Memorial Hall is an academic building at College of William & Mary that contains a 750-seat auditorium, a studio theatre, classrooms, and workshops for performing arts. The building features specialized spaces including a scene shop, computer design laboratory, and lighting laboratory used by students and faculty.

The building opened in 1957 as a replacement for the original Phi Beta Kappa Hall after a fire damaged it in 1953. The reconstruction allowed the college to rebuild its performing arts facilities on campus.

The hall shapes campus life through regular theatrical productions, dance performances, and music concerts created by students and faculty. These events bring the college community together and draw visitors from the surrounding area.

The building sits centrally on campus and is easy to locate, with regular performances throughout the academic year. Visitors can check locally for event schedules and information about guided tours.

The hall hosted the final presidential debate between Jimmy Carter and Gerald Ford in 1976, with Barbara Walters as moderator. This significant national event took place within these walls before thousands watched on television.

GPS coordinates: 37.26838,-76.71529

Latest update: December 12, 2025 09:08