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History


The Sam Fox School was founded in 2006, uniting the academic units of Architecture and Art with the University’s museum to create a unique new paradigm for design education. Each of these units boasts a rich history.

The College of Architecture

Formerly the School of Architecture, this was established in 1910 and has the distinction of being one of the 10 founding members of the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture.

The College of Art

Formerly the School of Art, this was founded in 1879 as the first professional, university-affiliated art school in the United States. It is the only art school to have borne a major metropolitan art museum—the Saint Louis Art Museum.

The Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum

Formerly the Washington University Gallery of Art, this was founded in 1881 as the first art museum west of the Mississippi River.

The Sam Fox School

The Sam Fox School as we currently know it evolved over several years. The Visual Arts & Design Center (1997), subsequently named the Sam Fox Arts Center (2002), was envisioned as a hub for interdisciplinary programs among the College of Art, College of Architecture, Graduate School of Art, Graduate School of Architecture & Urban Design, Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum, Art & Architecture Library, and Department of Art History & Archaeology in Arts & Sciences.

The vision grew to encompass the launch of a new school at Washington University in St. Louis. In January 2005, Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton announced the creation of the Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts, uniting the academic units of Art and Architecture with the University Museum under the leadership of a new dean.

The Sam Fox School complex is made up of six buildings: the stately, Beaux Arts-era William K. Bixby Hall (1926) and Joseph B. Givens Hall (1932); the modernist pavilion Mark C. Steinberg Hall (1960); the limestone-clad Earl E. and Myrtle E. Walker Hall and Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum (both 2006); and Anabeth and John Weil Hall (2019). The improvement, expansion, and construction of new facilities for this collaborative unit have been significant accomplishments.

The School is named after Sam Fox, BSBA ‘51, who was integral in the realization of this collaborative vision. One of St. Louis’ most active philanthropic leaders, he is also one of the staunchest supporters of Washington University. He is founder, chairman, and chief executive officer of Harbour Group, Ltd., which acquires and builds companies for long-term investment. He and his wife, Marilyn, have received many awards for their philanthropy, including the 2004 Excellence in Philanthropy award from the Arts and Education Council.