HISTORY

The Link Auditorium was designed in 1908 for The Wednesday Club, a women's education and social club. The building represents architect Theodore Link's first foray into modernism.  The Wednesday Club, founded in 1890, was an important force for civic improvement in St. Louis.  By the time it moved into this building, the organization had already fought for smoke abatement, better schools, sanitation laws, and a cleaner city.

For its new home, the group called for a 500-seat auditorium on the first floor for lectures and performances.  The second floor was designed around a large Reception Hall, with full kitchen facilities and a variety of smaller spaces that could be used for many purposes.  The Wednesday Club remained in the building until it moved to new quarters in St. Louis County in the 1970s.  At that time, the building was purchased for use as the Learning Center. 

Under the leadership of founder Emily Richard, the Learning Center became a center for teacher training and educational innovation.  As the Link Auditorium, we seek to continue the spirit of inquiry and public benefit that has been fostered in this building for more than a hundred years.