| Hobby Center for the Performing Arts | |
| Address: | 800 Bagby Street |
| City: | Houston, Texas |
| Country: | United States |
| Architect: | Robert A.M. Stern Architects and Morris Architects |
| Owner: | Hobby Center Foundation |
| Capacity: | Sarofim Hall: 2,650 Zilkha Hall:500 |
| Opened: | 2002 |
The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts is a theater in Houston, Texas, United States. Opened to the public in 2002, the theater is located downtown on the edge of the Houston Theater District. Hobby Center features 60adj=midNaNadj=mid glass walls with views of Houston's skyscrapers, Tranquility Park and Houston City Hall. The Hobby Center is named for former Texas lieutenant governor and Houston businessman, William P. Hobby, Jr., whose family foundation donated the naming gift for the center.[1] The center replaced the former Houston Music Hall and Sam Houston Coliseum.
Built by the general contractor Lyda Swinerton, it was designed by Robert A.M. Stern Architects (RAMSA) and Morris Architects. RAMSA was inspired by legendary theater designers Herts & Tallant, who practiced in Manhattan during the early 20th century. The major building materials are limestone, brick, painted steel columns, glazed curtain wall, and standing seam metal roof. Two theaters in the center were constructed specifically for theatre and musical performances.
Two significant works of art were commissioned for the center. American painter Sol LeWitt's mural "Wall Drawing 2002" serves as the focal point of the Grand Lobby. British-born sculptor Tony Cragg's two-part bronze "In Minds" mimics human profiles outside at Hines Plaza.[2]