The Spieker Center for the Performing Arts serves as a vibrant cultural hub at the heart of Menlo School’s K-12 campus, embodying a new vision for community and creativity. Designed to showcase talent across a range of disciplines, the center includes a 400-seat auditorium, orchestra pit, tech booth, green room, and specialized spaces such as scene and costume shops and a recording studio. With ample backstage space—including dressing rooms, wings, and other functional areas—the Spieker Center is set to host not only the Middle and Upper School performing arts groups but also guest speakers, visiting performers, and community events.

A hallmark of the 28,000-square-foot Spieker Center is its thoughtful design, encouraging engagement with the arts and fostering a sense of community. The welcoming lobby, resembling a comfortable living room, provides a communal space where students, faculty, and visitors can study, work, or simply relax. This open, inviting area—featuring floor-to-ceiling windows—creates a seamless connection between the indoors and the outdoors, reflecting the building’s commitment to accessibility and inclusivity. Designed with ADA accessibility in mind, the Spieker Center ensures that the performing arts are available to all.

Beyond its indoor offerings, the Spieker Center integrates into the campus landscape through an outdoor gallery and a new “sports walkway.” This pathway connects the arts venue to the athletics fields, promoting a sense of arrival and drawing people towards the campus’s shared spaces. Located on a prominent route to the athletics fields, the building also serves as a bridge between the school’s artistic and athletic pursuits, emphasizing the importance of both in the students’ lives.

The Spieker Center for the Performing Arts is not merely a performance space; it’s a place where the Menlo community gathers to experience and celebrate the arts. Funded by generous donors, the project was re-envisioned to meet modern standards after a decade-long pause. The result is a beautiful, functional, and affordable space that brings Menlo School’s artistic vision to life. With its thoughtful design and wide-ranging facilities, the Spieker Center stands as a symbol of Menlo School’s dedication to nurturing creativity, collaboration, and inclusivity across campus.

Design Architect: Hacker
Local Architect: Kevin Hart Architecture
Design Team: David Keltner, Keri Erwin, Caitlin Ranson, Nicolas Pectol, Thom Hacker, Stefee Knudsen, Jennie Fowler, Lewis Williams
Photography: Jeremy Bittermann