The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Centre is a large cultural complex that is home to galleries, studios, a theatre and an art museum. Celebrate art in its many forms with plays, concerts, musicals, film festivals and exhibitions. The centre is housed inside a magnificent art deco structure that was built in 1936.
Reserve tickets for a show at the centre’s 400-seater theatre. There is always something going on, so check online at the venue’s website for the performance schedule. Consider booking a pre-show dinner in the centre’s art deco café.
The art museum is open throughout the day with extended hours when there are theatrical performances. If you have booked tickets for a play, arrive early to tour the museum. Go to the permanent galleries to see many examples of art from the southwest. View paintings, sculptures and other pieces that have been influenced by Native American nations and colonial Spanish culture. Among the notable featured artists are Georgia O'Keeffe, John Singer Sargent and Dale Chihuly.
Try your hand at creating some art at the Bemis School of Art. There are classes and workshops for children and adults covering numerous media, including photography, jewellery making, sculpture and painting. There are also classes in drama and art history.
The arts centre is open every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day, and admission charges apply. There are discounts for students and children aged 12 years or under get in for free when accompanied by a parent or guardian.
The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Centre can be found in the downtown area of the city, close to the ANA Money Museum and the El Pomar Sports Centre. If you choose to drive, there is metered street parking and a metered parking lot with limited space.