Duerksen opened in 1956 as the Fine Arts Center and was designed to house the activities of the College of Fine Arts. Unfortunately, a planned wing for the art department was not constructed due to lack of funds. The School of Art and Design (formerly the art department) is now located in the McKnight Art Center and Henrion Hall. The Fine Arts Center was later renamed for alumnus and longtime dean of the college, Walter Duerksen. The facility, which houses the School of Music, includes the 530-seat Miller Concert Hall, classrooms and practice studios.