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DENTON (UNT), Texas —  The University of North Texas is celebrating its new $70 million College of Visual Arts and Design building with a ribbon cutting, exhibition and open house this week.

The expanded and renovated four-story art building provides a world-class space for the college’s unique resources and award-winning programs in art education, art history, design and studio arts.

The open concept of the College of Visual Arts and Design’s 238,000-square-foot building inspires creativity and encourages people to stay, sit and collaborate. Sky bridges and wide hallways offer plenty of light and space for pop-up exhibitions. Floor to ceiling windows bring the outdoors inside and reveal the creative work happening in classrooms.

“We’ve worked to design a building that functions around creativity and collaboration,” said Greg Watts, dean of the College of Visual Arts and Design. “We wanted a very porous structure that would encourage everyone from our UNT and Denton communities, and beyond, to be curious. And, in turn, have the opportunity to see what we do – to witness our practice.”

A sweeping front porch on the building’s east side serves as a gateway to the UNT and Denton communities; an open invitation to come and experience the college’s world class facilities. The UNT Art Gallery’s expansive windows face streets and sidewalks revealing the works of renowned and emerging artists, while the central courtyard offers a place to enjoy a wide range of events from outdoor fashion shows to film screenings and student work installations.

The College of Visual Arts and Design building is one of the most technologically advanced art facilities in the world and offers students access to and instruction in the latest digital fabrication tools, 3D scanners, 3D printers, computer numerical control routers, laser cutters and engravers, plasma cutters and waterjet cutters.

“While this new facility provides a wealth of opportunity for current and future generations of students, it also pays homage to the community that has been such an integral part of creating and growing the College of Visual Arts and Design,” said David Wolf, vice president for university advancement. “This week we are not only celebrating all that is wonderful and new, we are also honoring the past deans, faculty, alumni and others who have left a lasting legacy in the College of Visual Arts and Design in creating the beautiful, caring, creative landscape we see today.”

The college graduates more artists and designers than any other institution, and is one of the largest producers of university-certified art educators in Texas.