Columbia’s Premier Center for the Arts
As the gateway to the vista, the capital city’s vibrant hub of dining and entertainment, the Koger Center for the Arts stands out as Columbia’s premier center for the arts.
As a cultural destination for audiences seeking diverse experiences in a lively and dynamic setting, the Koger Center features seasons by several local arts groups including the South Carolina Ballet, The South Carolina Philharmonic, and Columbia Classical Ballet. With the University of South Carolina, the Koger Center hosts performances by both the USC Department of Theatre and Dance and the School of Music, including the USC Symphony Orchestra season. The Koger Center is proud to also be the home of Broadway in Columbia, bringing the best of world-class productions to Columbia! Our own unique programming, Koger Center Presents supports the diversification of artistic offerings in Columbia by partnering with local arts organizations and bringing in artists to enhance the artistic offerings already being offered in Columbia.
The Koger Center has 2,256 seats on three levels (explore our seating layout). The Orchestra, Grand Tier, and Balcony all feature continental seating. Performances also take place on the outdoor Plaza Stage, in the Lobby, the Gallery, the Black Box, and even on the Loading Dock.
History
When the University of South Carolina’s Koger Center for the Arts opened its doors on January 14, 1989, a star was born to usher in a new era for the performing arts in South Carolina. Since its inception as the very first modern arts center of its kind in the state, the Koger Center for the Arts has hosted major national and international touring artists, strengthening the region’s ability to attract acclaimed productions and luminaries from around the globe.
The Koger Center demonstrates the cooperative spirit in Columbia. Its construction is the product of a shared dream and a shared labor of love for many in the community; a combined effort with both public and private entities contributing to make this dream a reality. From the very beginning, the University made it clear that local community needs would be addressed by establishing a mission of inclusion to support the programming and technical needs of local arts organizations. Through this communal approach, the Koger Center for the Arts has enhanced the surrounding community by increasing public awareness and understanding of the performing arts.
The 100,000 square-foot, contemporary architectural design of the facility features a 2,256-seat proscenium theater equipped with state-of-the-art acoustics and superior sight lines. No seat is further than 100 feet from the stage. The lobby, which provides extensive space for exhibits and intermission crowds, is comprised of high, lofty areas, bright colors, and a glass facade. As this grand structure rose from the ground, the result changed the cultural landscape of the South Carolina Midlands and continues to inspire diverse audiences to discover the special magic and sheer joy made possible through live performance.
The Koger Center for the Arts at the University of South Carolina has been attached to the USC School of Music building since 1995 and has functioned as a department in the school since 2018. The Koger Center is home for regular School of Music classes and performances by the USC Symphony Orchestra, USC Concert Bands including the Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Winds, and University Band, as well as special performances by Opera at USC and School of Music faculty and student ensembles.
In 2025, the Koger Center for the Arts received the prestigious S.C. Governor’s Award for the Arts in the Government category.
Future
Mission: The Koger Center for the Arts at the University of South Carolina supports exceptional art by hosting and presenting transformational experiences that enlighten, educate, and entertain.
Vision: To celebrate human imagination by inspiring excitement and passion in the arts through the integration of the facility and its programming into the daily life of the community.
Values: The Koger Center for the Arts is committed to being an asset to the entire community. We believe in adding value to people’s lives by providing opportunities for creative programming, new experiences and education while providing the best possible patron experience.
Goals:
- Nurture the development of a dynamic and diverse local arts community.
- Present premier artists in exceptional performances accessible to all members of the public.
- Promote cultural awareness through the arts as a means of expressing human concerns and values.
- Serve as a fine arts laboratory to enhance classroom experiences and educate students and the public about the presentation of art and artists.
- Stimulate local growth and economic development through the attraction of business and tourism by enhancing the state’s overall quality of life.
