The Spieker Center for the Performing Arts in Atherton serves as a vibrant cultural hub at the heart of Menlo School’s K-12 campus, including a 400-seat auditorium, orchestra pit, tech booth, green room, and specialized spaces such as scene and costume shops and a recording studio.

With ample backstage space, including dressing rooms, wings, and other functional areas, the Spieker Center is set to host performing arts groups and also guest speakers, visiting performers, and community events.

A hallmark of the 2,601-m² (28,000-sf) Spieker Center is its thoughtful design. The lobby provides a communal space where students, faculty, and visitors can study, work, or relax. This open area features floor-to-ceiling windows, creating a connection between the indoors and the outdoors.

The center integrates into the campus landscape through an outdoor gallery and a new “sports walkway,” which connects the arts venue to the athletics fields.

Funded by donors, the project was re-envisioned to meet modern standards after a decade-long pause. The result is a beautiful, functional, and affordable space that brings the school’s artistic vision to life.

Hacker worked in collaboration with Kevin Hart Architecture on this project.