The Morris Performing Arts Center, formerly known as the Palace Theatre, has a rich history that dates back to its construction in 1922. As part of the Orpheum Theatre chain, it was built at a cost of $1 million on a $100,000 property, making it the most modern theater in the country. Initially, the theater served as a vaudeville house, with continuous shows featuring a new act every ten minutes.

Over the years, it hosted renowned artists and acts such as Houdini, Betty Davis, Bing Crosby, Elvis Presley, and Frank Sinatra, among others. However, with the rise of television, low attendance threatened the theater's existence, and demolition seemed imminent in 1959. Fortunately, the theater was saved by Mrs.

Ella M. Morris, a philanthropist and lover of the arts, who purchased and eventually sold it to the city. After a facelift and renaming, the Morris Civic Auditorium reopened and later became the Morris Performing Arts Center.

The theater now boasts a seating capacity of 2,564 and regularly hosts nationally acclaimed performances in music, dance, and Broadway, including the South Bend Symphony. With a multi-million dollar annual economic impact and a reputation as a regional arts destination, the Morris is a significant cultural hub in South Bend. Looking towards the future, the theater is embarking on a major capital campaign in preparation for the next 100 years of its storied existence