The Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts

The Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts – also known as “the Isabel” — will be a home for the creative arts at Queen’s University and a hub of vibrant artistic study, creation and exhibition in our community. Embracing the principles of interactivity and integration, the School of Music, Department of Film and Media, Department of Drama, and Bachelor of Fine Art Program will share teaching, performance and exhibition spaces within the Isabel.

Anchored by a transformational gift to the Initiative Campaign from Drs. Alfred and Isabel Bader, the Isabel was inspired by the Baders’ love – of the arts, of Queen’s, and of each other – and is named in Isabel’s honour. As a centre of interdisciplinary exchange, the Isabel’s state-of-the-art facilities will enable students and faculty to present a wide range of innovative and creative pieces across the disciplines.

Among the Isabel’s offerings are a series of classical music concerts featuring both world-class and rising young artists, as well as two theatrical presentations. Most of these performances will be experienced in the superb acoustics of Kingston’s first purpose-built performance hall, a 566-seat gem enhanced by the expertise of Arup and Theatre Projects Consultants. Other spaces include a studio theatre, a film screening room and a music rehearsal hall.

Situated on the shores of Lake Ontario, the 80,000-square-foot centre was designed by Snøhetta in collaboration with N45 Architecture. The Isabel brings together exceptional spaces and programs with a captivating sense of place to create a dynamic venue for our students and community to learn, discover, think, do, and experience, together.