On February 15, 2025, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) unveiled its newly constructed Edward and Joyce Linde Music Building with an open house that drew students, faculty, and the public. This event marked the beginning of Artfinity, an extensive music and arts festival featuring 80 events scheduled from mid-February to early May. The building, designed by the renowned Tokyo-based architectural firm SANAA, offers a centralized space dedicated to MIT’s vibrant music program. It includes state-of-the-art facilities such as a concert hall, rehearsal rooms, a recording studio, and specialized classrooms, addressing long-standing needs identified over two decades.

The late philanthropist Joyce Linde initiated the project in 2018 with a cornerstone gift, honoring her late husband Edward H. Linde, a former member of the MIT Corporation. Previously, MIT lacked a central hub for music activities, which were dispersed across various locations on campus. The new facility aims to foster a stronger sense of community among music enthusiasts at MIT and enhance the overall experience of musical education and performance.

A standout feature of the Linde Music Building is the Thomas Hull Concert Hall, designed with a circular layout where performers are placed at the center, surrounded by the audience. This innovative arrangement, inspired by Berlin's Pierre Boulez Saal, creates a more intimate and immersive experience. The concert hall can accommodate up to 390 people and features adjustable acoustics, including acoustic banners and a ring of speakers, allowing it to host a wide range of musical performances.

Besides the concert hall, the Music and Culture Space caters specifically to ensembles like the MIT Balinese Gamelan and Rambax, providing acoustically insulated rooms for louder instruments. The Music Maker Pavilion, another key component, houses rehearsal rooms, a recording studio, offices, a research lab, and a makerspace for digital instrument design. These facilities support MIT’s robust music program, which enrolls over 1,500 students annually and involves more than 500 musicians.

The opening of the Linde Music Building signifies a significant milestone for MIT's music community. Associate Dean Keeril Makan expresses hope that this new space will not only strengthen the bonds within the music department but also become an integral part of the broader MIT community. He envisions regular concerts and events at the Thomas Hull Concert Hall becoming a cherished tradition for everyone at MIT.