Though students have inhabited its spaces since classes started earlier this week, the doors of the university’s newest building will formally swing open on Saturday with a day of programming designed to highlight how it will be used in the months and years to come.

The Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts (also known as “the Isabel”) student opening celebration will provide an opportunity for Queen’s students to explore the building’s many spaces, including the state-of-the art concert hall, the rehearsal hall, and the film screening room, among others, many of which will be animated by student performers.

“We’ve been looking forward to this student open house for some time now,” says Jerry Doiron, the Isabel’s director, “because ultimately, this is a building for teaching and learning. It’s a building we hope our students feel at home in – one that will enable them to create and collaborate as they learn.”

Over the course of Saturday afternoon, visitors to the Isabel will be able to hear student musicians rehearse, watch student-made short films, learn to operate a wood press, see exhibitions of student art, step into a theatre master class and visit the Performing Arts Clubs Fair in the building’s lobby.

The Isabel’s student open house takes place on Saturday, Sept. 13, with opening remarks at 11:30 am. Programming continues until 4 pm.

The day will culminate with a performance by the Toronto band Timber Timbre in the Isabel’s intimate concert hall at 7:30 pm. 

Visit the Isabel’s website for the complete schedule.