Celebrations mark opening of Vanderbilt research building, Langford Auditorium

Events from scholarly presentations to a concert will mark three major events at Vanderbilt University Medical Center on Tuesday, June 17: the dedication the new $110 million Medical Research Building IV; the renovation of L.C. Langford Auditorium; and the unveiling of a sculpture by world-renowned artist Frank Stella.
The $110 million Medical Research Building IV rises high above Langford Auditorium, providing more than 200,000 square feet of research space, as well as conference space and a soaring glass atrium spanning several floors. It’s crowned by the large new lighted “Vanderbilt” sign.The $5.5 million Langford Auditorium renovation includes 1,106 refurbished seats, a new audio/visual system, new stage flooring and curtains, acoustical improvements and more restrooms. The auditorium, Vanderbilt Medical Center’s largest indoor event space, will host lectures and theater and dance productions. In the past nine years, VUMC has nearly doubled its space, from 5 million square feet to more than 9 million square feet. The medical center spends $85 million to $100 million a year on major construction projects and renovations. What: Dedication of Medical Research Building IV, the sculpture by Frank Stella and the grand reopening of L.C. Langford Auditorium When: Tuesday, June 17, from 12:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.Where: Vanderbilt Medical Center’s Light Hall; Medical Research Building IV; Langford AuditoriumTimeline: 12:30-4:30 p.m., 208 Light Hall: A series of 20-minute scientific presentations by 10 MRB IV faculty members, followed by a brief question/answer period.
4:30 p.m., MRB IV: Dedication ceremony.

5 p.m.: Unveiling of “adegan,” a sculpture by world-renowned artist Frank Stella

7 p.m., Langford Auditorium: Reopening celebration, featuring a free, open-to-the-public concert featuring Mike Eldred and members of Take 6, winners of 10 Grammy Awards. (Doors open at 6:30 p.m.). Reservations for the concert are recommended. For more information, visit http://concert.vumcevents.com or call 322-2212.