Cal State San Bernardino Celebrates New Performing Arts Center

The 73,337-square-foot facility features a 500-seat theater, rehearsal rooms, and more.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Cal State San Bernardino has opened a new performing arts center on its main campus. The 73,337-square-foot facility, which took four years to construct, includes a 500-seat theater, rehearsal rooms, faculty offices, and student lounges. A ceremony was held this week to celebrate the center's opening, with music and theater students participating.

Why it matters

The new performing arts center is expected to enhance student learning and achievement at Cal State San Bernardino, which serves around 18,000 students across its two campuses. Research has shown that modern, well-equipped campus facilities can positively impact student health, behavior, engagement, and attendance, leading to improved academic outcomes.

The details

Construction on the state-of-the-art performing arts center began in September 2022 and was completed this year. The facility features a 500-seat theater, as well as rehearsal rooms, faculty offices, and student lounges. Officials say the new center will provide students with access to high-quality performance and learning spaces.

  • Construction on the performing arts center began in September 2022.
  • The center's opening ceremony was held on Wednesday, March 4, 2026.

The players

Cal State San Bernardino

A public university located in San Bernardino, California, that serves around 18,000 students across its two campuses.

Rafik Mohamed

The provost and vice president for Academic Affairs at Cal State San Bernardino at the time of the performing arts center's groundbreaking.

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What they’re saying

“Research shows that student learning and achievement increase when students are taught in new, rebuilt or renovated structures. Specifically, campus facilities have been shown to positively affect student health, student behavior, engagement and attendance, all of which are associated with improved student achievement.”

— Rafik Mohamed, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

What’s next

The university plans to hold additional events and activities at the new performing arts center to showcase its capabilities and engage the campus community.

The takeaway

The opening of Cal State San Bernardino's new state-of-the-art performing arts center represents a significant investment in the university's arts and entertainment offerings, with the goal of enhancing the overall student experience and academic success.