FORT BROWN MEMORIAL CENTER

Mission Statement

Our major goals at the FBMC are to establish a reawakening of the arts in the Jacob Brown Auditorium, and to continue to serve our public as the meeting place of choice.  The establishment of the Arts and Entertainment Season, which will bring 6 to 8 events throughout the academic year to the venue, will greatly advance the first goal.  The events will represent a full spectrum of entertainment -- from ballet and modern dance to standup comedy to musical theatre to children’s theatre – from gifted local, national, and international performers.  In addition to our A&E Season, we will continue to serve as an outstanding facility for use by UTB/TSC for special educational programs, and to the public for cultural events.  We are confident that the Rio Grande Valley will recognize our venue as an artistic and cultural center now and well into the new century.

Brief History of the FBMC

The Fort Brown Memorial Center was erected in 1953 by the City of Brownsville to commemorate the history of Fort Brown, named for Major Jacob Brown, the original commander of the U.S. Army post here.  It was billed as “the newest and possibly the finest civic auditorium in the Southwest.”  The complex, in addition to its function as a large convention hall, originally boasted a library, swimming pool, youth center, women’s center, and tennis courts.  Over the years, much of the original building was converted to classroom and office space to accommodate UTB/TSC’s Language Institute. 

Currently, Jacob Brown Auditorium and Stillman Town Hall are available for rent for public and private events.  The Stillman Town Hall (named for Charles Stillman, founder of Brownsville) seats 120 and is a popular venue for smaller conventions and committee meetings. 

The Jacob Brown Auditorium is used for athletic events, dances, conventions, banquets, and entertainments requiring a large amount of floor (nearly 11,000 square feet) or stage (2,800 square feet) space.  The Jacob Brown Auditorium also features an attractive, 2,185 square foot lobby, dressing rooms, and a kitchen.  The Jacob Brown Auditorium seating capacity is 1,593 (including balcony seating). 

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