Built using funds that were approved by voters in 1978, the Hult Center and the Hilton were completed in 1982 as part of the same urban renewal project.

Cuthbert Amphitheater, located in Eugene's Alton Baker Park, is also owned by the City and is operated by Kesey Enterprises.

Twenty-seven architectural firms competed for the opportunity to design the center, but in the end, the Eugene City Council awarded the contract to the New York firm of Hardy Holzman Pfeiffer Associates.

The Hult Center houses 2 performance halls, a meeting venue and a variety of public art: Resident companies at the Hult Center must satisfy a minimum number of performance and audience attendance requirements.

In return, they enjoy certain priority scheduling privileges, hall rental discounts and the ability to apply for funding from the Hult Endowment.