History

The Sam Fox School was founded in 2006, uniting the academic units of Architecture and Art with the University’s museum to create a unique new paradigm for design education. Each of these units boasts a rich history.

The College of Architecture

Formerly the School of Architecture, this was established in 1910 and has the distinction of being one of the 10 founding members of the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture.

The College of Art

Formerly the School of Art, this was founded in 1879 as the first professional, university-affiliated art school in the United States. It is the only art school to have borne a major metropolitan art museum—the Saint Louis Art Museum.

The Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum

Formerly the Washington University Gallery of Art, this was founded in 1881 as the first art museum west of the Mississippi River.

Our History

Bixby Hall cornerstone laying

1925

Our History

Aerial view of the East End of campus

1927

Our History

Givens Hall

1935

Our History

Bixby Hall in the snow

1945

Our History

View of Bixby Hall corridor

ca. 1950

Our History

Steinberg Hall dedication ceremony

1960

Our History

Steinberg Hall upper floor

1960

Our History

Steinberg Hall patio

1963

Our History

Art exhibition

1968

Our History

Studio art classroom

1970

Our History

Bixby Hall studio spaces

1980

Our History

Givens Hall lawn

Our History

Architecture class in Givens Hall

Our History

Architecture class portrait on Givens Hall

1989

Black and white photograph of five people in dark coats and hats standing around a cornerstone block with "1925" engraved in it. One person is laying mortar the top.

Black and white aerial photograph of the Washington University campus.

Discolored black and white photo of a Beau-arts era building. Text stamped in the corner reads "School of Architecture, Washington University. St. Louis, Mo."

Black and white photo of a Beau-arts era building in the snow.

Black and white photo of a hallway filled with sunlight, displaying various paintings and classical sculptures.

Black and white photo of the foyer of a modern-looking building with a pleated ceiling. People in fancy dress are gathered inside, one person stands in the foyer and smokes a cigarette.

Black and white photo of a long room with a pleated ceiling and huge globe lights. There are rows of tables and chairs, and library stacks line the left wall.

Black and white photo of the corner angle of a midcentury modern building with a large patio. Four people are perched on the patio railing, talking.

Gallery space with modern art sculptures and abstract paintings.

Black and white photo of a packed drawing studio. A person on a dais is speaking, dozens of others are gathered around listening, sitting on drawing horses.

Black and white photo of an overhead view of a large studio space filled with artists' cubicles. An angled skylight along one side of the room fills the room with natural light.

Black and white photo - overhead view of people on a lawn assembling a maze-like structure out of wooden ties.

Black and white photo of a person gesturing to a blueprint document on a studio table while others look on.

Beaux-arts building facade with groups of people posing on the ground, sitting on window ledges, and standing on the roof.

1925

1927

1935

1945

ca. 1950

1960

1963

1968

1970

1980

1989

The Sam Fox School

The Sam Fox School as we currently know it evolved over several years. The Visual Arts & Design Center (1997), subsequently named the Sam Fox Arts Center (2002), was envisioned as a hub for interdisciplinary programs among the College of Art, College of Architecture, Graduate School of Art, Graduate School of Architecture & Urban Design, Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum, Art & Architecture Library, and Department of Art History & Archaeology in Arts & Sciences.

The vision grew to encompass the launch of a new school at Washington University in St. Louis. In January 2005, Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton announced the creation of the Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts, uniting the academic units of Art and Architecture with the University Museum under the leadership of a new dean.

The Sam Fox School complex is made up of six buildings: the stately, Beaux Arts-era William K. Bixby Hall (1926) and Joseph B. Givens Hall (1932); the modernist pavilion Mark C. Steinberg Hall (1960); the limestone-clad Earl E. and Myrtle E. Walker Hall and Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum (both 2006); and Anabeth and John Weil Hall (2019). The improvement, expansion, and construction of new facilities for this collaborative unit have been significant accomplishments.

The School is named after Sam Fox, BSBA ‘51, who was integral in the realization of this collaborative vision. One of St. Louis’ most active philanthropic leaders, he is also one of the staunchest supporters of Washington University. He is founder, chairman, and chief executive officer of Harbour Group, Ltd., which acquires and builds companies for long-term investment. He and his wife, Marilyn, have received many awards for their philanthropy, including the 2004 Excellence in Philanthropy award from the Arts and Education Council.