Nestled among the tree-lined sidewalks in the heart of the University of Houston campus is the historic Cullen Performance Hall.

The facility has been one of the premier entertainment venues in the city of Houston since opening in the fall of 1950. Its cozy, relaxed atmosphere provides the ideal setting for music concerts, public lectures, dance performances and theatrical productions.

Over the years, it has hosted many well-known performers and musicians, including Linda Ronstadt, Devo, Elvis Costello, The Ramones, Joe Cocker, INXS, Eurythmics, Bruce Hornsby and Iggy Pop.

The venue has undergone a host of renovations, improvements and upgrades recently. Some are aesthetic, while others involved safety and infrastructure upgrades:

• The performance hall now has a top-of-the-line fire sprinkler system that meets today’s strict safety standards.

• A new fire curtain was installed. This life-safety device, designed to protect audience members, hangs from the ceiling and will drop automatically if it senses a fire on stage.

• The old, worn theatrical curtains that hung from the stage area for many years were replaced.

• The rigging system, which is used to change props and scenery for plays, was upgraded and is now fully functional.

• The electrical and lighting systems in the dressing rooms were replaced.

• The dressing rooms were repainted and carpeted and the furniture was replaced. In addition, the speaker and intercom system was upgraded.

• The keying system throughout the facility was upgraded.

• The wood stage was refurbished.

• Staff offices were renovated.

• The entire venue received a massive deep cleaning.

Together, the improvements provide the facility a timely facelift that will make it more appealing to event presenters wanting to book shows and concerts, as well as campus groups and organizations seeking to host activities and events.