M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust

The Willson Auditorium is the oldest, largest and most utilized performing arts space in the Bozeman community, seating 1,100 in its auditorium and reaching 90,000 community members each year. More than 20 community organizations use the space, including the Bozeman Symphony, Intermountain Opera, Montana Ballet and local and visiting dance troupes. Additionally, a large number of Bozeman middle and high school students are enrolled in the performing arts, and the auditorium hosts all of their performances and concerts.

Several years ago, the Bozeman Schools Foundation spearheaded the renovation project to transform the Willson Auditorium into a safe, accessible, efficient and comfortable facility to support K-12 students, artists and attendees. The renovation revamped the lobby, upgraded the acoustics and sound, added ADA accessibility, improved the lighting and rigging and overall made it a safer, more accessible place for performers and audience members.

The Murdock Trust is proud to partner in such a vital community project. The Willson Auditorium is truly a Gallatin Valley gem, and the new space will help bring the performing arts to this Montana community for decades to come.

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