The Murphy Auditorium

Built in 1926, it replicates an opulent Paris church.

The Murphy Auditorium was reopened after an $8 million renovation by next door neighbor, the Driehaus Museum, who purchased the property, in 2022. Jamerson & Bauwens is proud to number both the museum and the auditorium in our historic restoration and preservation portfolio.

By process, we exercise care in craft that protects and powers the structure. We are especially sensitive to architectural integrity and ensuring it remains unimpacted by our work. Jamerson & Bauwens’ specialized approach to historical renovation and restoration is to first do no harm. This is especially relevant at the Murphy which focuses on the decorative arts of the 19th century. Opened first in 2008, in the former Nickerson Mansion, among the exquisite features and elements preserved in the auditorium are a row of throne-like carved wood chairs. There, prominent surgeons and officers of the American College of Surgeons sat in positions of honor when the College operated the auditorium.

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In historic restoration and renovation as with every specialty, ours is the approach that begins by understanding users and end-users of the facility or structure. Where we distinguish our powered, maintenance and optimization solutions are with how that understanding informs our care of the systems, across their useful and extended lifecycles.

Over time, the approach evolves, enhances, and increases capacity and capability.