The Performing Arts and Humanities Building (PAHB) provides new, state-of-the-art facilities for arts and humanities departments and programs. The PAHB will enhance UMBC's teaching, research and public outreach and will heighten the visibility of the arts and humanities as major components of campus and community life. The PAHB will be home to the Department of Ancient Studies, the Department of Dance, the Department of English, the Department of Music, the Department of Philosophy, the Department of Theatre, the James T. and Virginia M. Dresher Center for the Humanities, the Dresher Humanities Scholars Program, and the Linehan Artist Scholars Program.

The PAHB is situated on 4.8 acres on the west side of Hilltop Road adjacent to the existing Fine Arts, Engineering and ITE Buildings. Designed to be constructed in two phases, the PAHB is a natural extension of the campus to the north, creating a strong relationship with the current campus buildings and enhancing the circulation of the campus. The first construction phase, which opened in Fall 2012, provides space for the Department of English, the Department of Theatre, the James T. and Virginia M. Dresher Center for the Humanities, the Humanities Scholars Program, the Linehan Artist Scholars Program, and arts management offices; the second phase will provide space for the Departments of Ancient Studies, Dance, Music and Philosophy.