The Atrium

The Shaw Center takes your breath away. From the moment you step into the 6,000-square-foot atrium/lobby, it’s obvious you are experiencing a level of prestige and elegance at Graceland. The long, open windows fill the area with warm, natural light. Surrounding the interior, the rich wood-paneled ceiling and sophisticated lighting makes the space inviting and cozy – a hub for campus life.

Chairs and couches occupy the upstairs portion of the atrium, calling to accommodate anxious spectators before a performance in the JR Black Box or capture the conversation of students before band class. The downstairs tables, chairs and benches provide an ideal location for meetings or late-night student study sessions. It is an area our university president says is a “living room” for the campus.

The space is large enough to be used for dinners and receptions with the atrium alone providing the capacity of 250 people for a sit-down dinner. This stylish, open area echoes with the beautiful music of orchestra and band students crafting their skills in classrooms just down the hall. With the atrium’s hospitable, graceful atmosphere, you come to the Shaw for a performance and linger long after to enjoy this remarkable space.