The University of the Arts

Philadelphia, United States

No longer standing

Demolished or destroyed.

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The University of the Arts was a private arts university in Philadelphia's Center City, occupying a prominent position within the Avenue of the Arts cultural district. Though the main campus building was designed in Greek Revival style by architect John Haviland and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the institution as it existed in its later decades housed six distinct schools: Art, Dance, Design, Film, Music (accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music), and the Ira Brind School of Theater Arts, along with graduate and professional programs. The university traced its educational mission back to 1900 when a Saturday School of art classes for children opened. After decades of operation, UArts closed abruptly on June 7, 2024, following a sudden announcement by administrators on May 31, though the institution's financial difficulties had been documented for some time.