The Arts Campus began in 1936 with the construction of the Art & Theater Building. This area hosts performing arts, theater, visual arts and the University Museum of Art and is capped on the north end by the Levitt Center, home to the UI Foundation and Alumni Association.

The most notable addition to this part of campus is Art Building West, designed by signature architect Steven Holl and dedicated in the fall of 2006. The construction of this building allows for the revitalization of the 1936 Art Building across the street. This area borders the proposed River Park. Future efforts will include consolidating all of the University arts programs, including Dance from the East Campus, to this part of campus into a new performing arts building. Modifications to the Museum of Art include river-side access and elimination of the aging brick plaza.