Lindsay France/University Photography

Risley Hall, originaly a residence hall for women, opened in 1913.

The Prudence Risley Residential College for the Creative and Performing Arts celebrates its 100th anniversary with a series of centennial events Nov. 21-24.

Risley opened in 1913 as a residence hall for women. The castlelike Tudor Gothic building was modeled after Hampton Court Palace in Middlesex, England, and its dining hall is a scaled-down replica of Christ Church Refectory at Oxford University.

Architect William H. Miller designed the floor plan so that no two bedrooms are alike – many rooms contain fireplaces, balconies, embrasures, turrets, dumbwaiter shafts and secret stairwells. When it first opened its doors, Risley was outfitted with artwork and common-area furnishings donated by Cornell co-founder Andrew Dickson White.

In 1970 the building became the program house it is now, providing a supportive environment for students interested in creative and performing arts. Risley houses an 80-seat, student-run theater, a stained-glass shop, two music practice rooms, a multimedia studio, a recording studio, a print shop, wood and metal shops, an art studio, a darkroom, a video-editing studio, a sewing shop and a pottery studio.

Former “Risleyites” include actor Christopher Reeve ’74, photographer Margaret Bourke-White ’27, writer Matt Ruff ’87, world-champion ice skater Jamie Silverstein ’08, video game creator Andrew C. Greenberg ’79 and – prior to the creation of the Risley Program House – former Attorney General Janet Reno ’60.

Risley’s centennial events begin Thursday, Nov. 21, with open shops from 7-10 p.m. and a Risley Theatre performance of “Hair: The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical” at 8 p.m. On Friday, Nov. 22, Risley Dining will host a Risley Traditions Dinner 5-7 p.m., a gallery and history walk 5-8 p.m. and performances of “Hair” at 7 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.

On Saturday, Nov. 23, students and alumni will take a group photo and share a lunch social in Cowcliffes Lounge, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. A final performance of “Hair” is at 8 p.m.  On Sunday, Nov. 24, building tours will be held 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information, visit http://www.risley.org or email risley@cornell.edu.