Throwback Thursday: Ivan Wilson Fine Arts Center

This week we’re back on the Hill at WKU in Bowling Green. One of the most distinct buildings on campus is celebrating its 45th anniversary this year. The Ivan Wilson Fine Arts Center has been home to all things Art since 1973.

The four-story, 170-thousand square foot building took three years to construct. Built from 1970 to 1973, the Fine Arts Center was officially dedicated in October 45 years ago. Designed by Ryan Associated Architects, the building has been home to many Departments in the past—Art, Music, Foreign Language, English, History, Theatre and Speech.

The building was constructed next to the Colonnades, on top of the ground that was the original WKU football stadium. Its namesake is Ivan Wilson, an educator who served the university for over 40 years. 

Wilson was a Hazel, Ky., native who traveled to WKU in 1920 and spent more than 25 years as the first Art Department Head. His works have been displayed across the world, including exhibits in New York, New Orleans and Paris. He retired from the university in 1958. 

There’s a rough history of damage to the Fine Arts Center. Just five years after it was built, an accidental fire in 1978 caused $30,000 of damage on the fourth floor. Then an arsonist set fire to areas of the third and fourth floors in 1984, causing over $300,000 worth of more damage. The building has since been renovated and repaired.

The Fine Arts Center is also home to the Russell Miller Theatre, where WKU Theatre and Music students perform.