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The Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center on the campus of the University of Missouri-St. Louis is a spectacular venue for your next occasion. Whether planning a concert in the acoustically stunning Anheuser-Busch Performance Hall or a cocktail party in the uniquely versatile E. Desmond and Mary Ann Lee Theater, the Touhill can provide the perfect backdrop to exude modern elegance and sophistication.


The Touhill at UMSL was opened in September of 2003 to serve the artistic and cultural development of St. Louis City, St. Louis County, and the campus of the University of Missouri – St. Louis. Designed by the incomparable firm of the I.M. Pei, the Touhill makes a bold statement even before the curtain rises. Whether you take in an emotional opera, a hilarious comedian or a thrilling concert during the 2023-24 season, you’re guaranteed a true arts experience thanks to the striking architecture and impeccable acoustics at the Touhill.

Since opening in 2003, this St. Louis cultural landmark has already played host to hundreds of events for many organizations including the Variety, Saint Louis Ballet, Dance St. Louis, the Ambassadors of Harmony, Ameren, Express Scripts, and Emerson. 

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Anheuser-Busch Performance Hall

1,600 CAPACITY

The Anheuser-Busch Performance Hall is an acoustically splendid European-style opera house theater and the largest venue within the Touhill. Some of the amazing technical attributes of this magnificent hall include:

  • Full rigging capabilities
  • Full drapery set including legs, borders, blackout drops, cyc, and scrim
  • Warm wood veneer orchestra shell with forestage reflector to assist sound transference
  • Near perfect acoustics tunable with the adjustable sound dampening panels placed throughout the auditorium
  • Full 50 member orchestra pit (expandable to 100 members)
  • 9’ Steinway concert grand piano
  • State-of-the-art sound system
  • Easy load in – three truck dock just 50’ from stage
  • Computer controlled lighting system with 450 instruments to support any event

 

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E. Desmond and Mary Ann Lee Theater

375 CAPACITY

The amazingly versatile Lee Theater can be configured to accommodate most any event. In a flat floor set up, the Lee Theater can welcome extravagant parties, providing beautiful landscaping as a backdrop through the unique semicircle window. As a stage, the Lee Theater sets up in three different formats and can seat up to 360 patrons. A few of the highlights of this theater space include:

  • Ideal for small music groups, ensembles, and intimate performances
  • 9’ Steinway concert grand piano
  • Four trusses and seven pipes for overhead lighting and rigging
  • Full drapery set available including legs, borders, traveling curtain, cyc, and scrim
  • Harlequin Cascade Marley dance floor
  • State-of-the-art sound system
  • Computer-controlled lighting system with 150 instruments to support any event; standard and custom configurations available
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Whitaker Rehearsal Hall and Dance Studio

175 CAPACITY

Featuring a 50’ x 40’ fully sprung floor, the Whitaker Hall provides a beautiful space for meetings, rehearsals and additional event space. As a dance studio, this space has wall-sized mirrors and a ballet bar. A built in audio system with pitch controlled cassette and CD playback are also available in this hall. Whitaker Hall is often used for a large green room, holding room, warm up, catering, rehearsals, and dance classes.

 

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Terrace Lobby

350 CAPACITY

The Touhill Performing Arts Center showcases two stunning lobbies available for any type of gathering including private receptions, weddings, trade shows and more.

The Terrace Lobby is the lower lobby within the venue. Tables, chairs, and catering support facilities, which is shared with the Anheuser-Busch Performance Hall, are available. Ample electrical circuits and data ports are also convenient throughout the lobby areas. Portable public address system and/or staging may be brought in, or go so far as to add a splash of color with portable LED lighting or video.

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Promenade Lobby

350 CAPACITY

The Promenade Lobby is the upper lobby within the venue. Tables, chairs, and full catering facilities, which is shared with the Lee Theater, are available. Ample electrical circuits and data ports are also available throughout the lobby areas, as well as a portable public address system and/or staging may be brought in.

 

Please submit a rental inquiry via this form and someone from our Events team will contact you.


Catering at the Touhill is provided by the UMSL Campus food service provider, Sodexo.  Their catering division can accommodate almost any catering need.  Please get familiar with their services by visiting their website or calling them at 314-516-4321.