Waterloo Center For The Arts

The Waterloo Center for the Arts purpose is to initiate and further awareness, appreciation and support of the arts by a diverse audience.

The Center works in partnership with the community to build a stronger appreciation for the arts and to provide cultural experiences for people of all ages. Operating under the auspices of the Waterloo Cultural and Arts Commission, the Center and its programs reflect the City of Waterloo's commitment to and support of arts and culture. Stop by today and discover one of our unique, hands-on programs or exhibits! -Permanent collection of artwork featuring the largest collection of Haitian Art in the country, Midwest Regionalist Art (including works by Grant Wood & Thomas Hart Benton), Mexican Folk Art, International Folk Art, American Decorative Arts, and Public Art. -Changing exhibitions in 11 art galleries throughout the building. -Phelps Youth Pavilion, an interactive children?s museum where Art launches a world of wonder, discovery & learning. -Over 100 classes & workshops for kids, adults and families. -Lectures, symposia, films, and performances. -School and group tours. -Special events and birthday parties. -Annual All-School Art Exhibit. -Ceramics Studio. -Digital Arts Studio. -Gift Store, featuring over 200 Midwest artists. -ArtHouse Caf?, presenting artful, delicious and unique lunches. -Meeting rooms of all sizes for conferences, weddings, receptions and special events. -Hope Martin Theatre, home to the Waterloo Community Playhouse and Black Hawk Children's Theatre performances, www.wcpbhct.org. In 1947, under the auspices of the Waterloo Recreation and Arts Commission, art exhibits began in the Recreation and Arts facility housed at the old Washington School. Programming was moved into the new Recreation and Arts facility in 1966 and by 1976 a workshop wing was added to provide classroom spaces. In 1990 another wing was added, expanding the Permanent Collection galleries. And in December of 1998 the Recreation and Arts Commission was dissolved and the new Cultural and Arts Commission was formed. In 2008 the latest addition was added, the Phelps Youth Pavilion, an interactive children's museum filled with over 40 creative hands-on experiences.