Peking University has more than a century's experience in aesthetic cultivation. After taking the position as university president in 1916, prominent educator Cai Yuanpei (1868-1940) started art courses and since 1917, founded research groups in fields such as painting, calligraphy, music and traditional opera.

In 1923, the university set up an orchestra, first conducted by composer Xiao Youmei (1884-1940).According to a Guangming Daily report, it was the first professional orchestra organized by Chinese musicians, and performed not only on campus but also for the wider audience. The orchestra's repertoire included symphonies from the Western classical and Romantic periods such as those written by Ludwig van Beethoven, as well as orchestral works composed by Xiao.

In the 1950s, a large timber dining hall capable of accommodating thousands was built. It gradually became the venue for major university events and academic, cultural, and recreational activities.

The current Peking University Hall is situated on the original site of the former dining hall, and has inherited its cultural role on campus.

It was completed in 1999 and officially put into use in 2000, with a management department specially formed to facilitate operations. It independently organizes and hosts events, with tickets sold at favorable prices, to promote art and enrich campus culture. Over the past 25 years, it has been host to around 5,000 art activities.