Originally built and dedicated in 1963, the Walter Paepcke Memorial Building has been an important and critical asset not only to the Institute, but to the entire Aspen community and the people of the Roaring Fork Valley. Forty-seven years later, the building has undergone a transformative renovation that takes this community treasure well into the 21st century. With beautiful finishes, and state-of-the-art technology, the building will use 55 percent less energy than it did before. The building was re-opened to the public on June 27, 2010.

Building Renovation Highlights:

"The Paepcke Building has always been special; now it's smart, too."

The new and improved Paepcke Building includes:

  • Extensive improvements to the structure’s shell—new insulation, a new roof, double paned windows—what will reduce the amount of heating and cooling needed.
  • A geothermal pond that uses the temperature of the earth and a ground-source heat pump to drive energy to the building.
  • Retractable glass walls in the auditorium allow natural light, views, and open air capability; skylights for day lighting efficiency in the lobby.
  • Low-flow plumbing; compact fluorescent bulbs and motion lights.
  • LEED qualified.
  • Complete interconnectivity. Programs in Paepcke can be simulcast to every other building on campus.
  • The best theatrical lighting, sound system, and cinematic electronics available—including state-of-the-art 3-D capability.

...All of this while maintaining the integrity of the original Herbert Bayer architecture and design.

Name a seat in the Auditorium.

The auditorium features all new seats, plus an additional 60 seats for a total capacity of 410.

  • The beautiful new seats in the auditorium can be named with a special, one-time donation of $25,000 (front rows), $10,000 (middle rows), or $5,000 (back rows).

For questions or more information on the Paepcke Building Renovation, please contact Becky Ward by email or at 970-544-7925.

Donate to the Paepcke Building Renovation