Mesa’s Performing Arts Hub. If you’re seeking the finest live entertainment and performances, world-class visual art exhibitions, and outstanding arts education classes, you’ll find all of this and more at the Mesa Arts Center.

Located in the heart of downtown, this architecturally stunning, international award winning, community-owned facility is the largest comprehensive art campus in the southwestern United States. The Mesa Arts Center’s mission is to inspire people through engaging arts experiences that are diverse, accessible, and relevant.

Visit: Mesa Arts Center is home to four theaters, five art galleries, and 14 visual and performing arts studios. It is a top-rated destination for things to do in Mesa by Trip Advisor. Come see for yourself—take in a show, try a new class, or tour the museum!

Shows: When it comes to entertainment, there truly is something for everyone! The live performance line-up includes Classical, Concerts, Jazz, Dance, Speakers, Theater/Comedy, and the exciting National Geographic Live! The facility has featured the talents of world-renown pianists, Symphony of the Southwest, Swingin’ on a Star, Salt River Brass, Shen Yun, Chris Botti, The Moth Mainstage, Double Trouble, and many other well-known performers.

Seating:

• Tom and Janet Ikeda Theater—The beautiful canyon-inspired interior of this theater seats up to 1,588 patrons on three levels. The auditorium has been designed with adjustable acoustics to accommodate a variety of musical presentations from symphonies to jazz quartets to soloists.

• Virginia G. Piper Repertory Theater—Known as “The Garden Theater” for its layering of subtle tones of green color, this theater features up to 550 seats on two levels. The auditorium has been designed to bring audiences as close as possible to the stage, creating an inviting, intimate experience.

•Nesbitt/Elliott Playhouse—Featuring a colorful design and steeply-raked seating for clear sightlines, the whimsical design of this theater provides a playful atmosphere for 200 patrons.

• Anita Cox Farnsworth Studio Theater—This “black box” theater measures 1,600 square feet, with a capacity of up to 98 people. Can be configured for theater, cabaret, receptions, meetings, and exhibitions.

Classes: Art Studio Classes at Mesa Arts Center showcases 14 visual and performing arts studios and classrooms. Presenting over 1,000 Adult and Youth classes every year, art enthusiasts have opportunities to learn more about Ceramics, Painting, Printmaking, Glass, Jewelry, Sculpture, Photography, Multimedia, Children’s/Multipurpose, Acting, Drama, Dance, and Music Studios.

Learn: A no-cost venue, Mesa Contemporary Arts (MCA) Museum is Mesa Art Center’s exciting visual art exhibition space and is dedicated to expanding the education of contemporary art to everyone. Through tours, hands-on activities, and various educational outreach programs, MCA Museum makes learning fun for all ages!

In five stunning galleries, MCA Museum showcases curated and juried exhibitions of contemporary art by emerging and internationally recognized artists. MCA Museum also offers lectures by significant artists and arts professionals, art workshops, and a volunteer Docent program.

• The Wilson and Ruby Dobson Main Gallery— Used for curated solo, group, and juried group exhibitions of national and international artists, this is MCA Museum’s largest exhibition space at 2,400 square feet.

• The South Gallery—This 1,400 square feet space is used for installations of curated solo, group, and juried group exhibitions in all media, from national and international artists.

• The Dr. Ruth Tan Lim Project Room—This experimental 500-square-foot gallery is available to artists for exhibitions of site-specific and/or new media installations, including film/video, sound, digital, and/or Web-based works. Artists may propose exhibitions for this experimental space dedicated to the display of solo and collaborative work in all mediums; a small stipend is offered to proposal winners.

• The SRP Permanent Collection Gallery—Dedicated to the exhibition of works from MCA Museum’s growing Permanent Collection, comprised of nearly 300 objects in all media, including paintings, sculpture, works on paper, photography, and decorative arts objects.

• The North Gallery—A 700-square-foot space dedicated to exhibiting works from Arizona artists. Emphasis is given to artists in the Greater Phoenix metropolitan area, artists living in Arizona, or who have a significant presence within the state. This space is a venue where both artists and community members have the opportunity to view and learn about a wide variety of media, culture, and issues that impact the arts in Arizona. Artists may propose exhibitions for this gallery, which showcases the work of local artists or artists with a significant presence in Arizona.

And More! Concessions at the Mesa Arts Center are open one hour prior to the start of the show and remain open to the end of intermission. Cocktails, beer, wine, and soft drink beverages are available, as well as a variety of candy and snacks for your enjoyment.

Additionally, Mesa Arts Center hosts four large, free festivals each year. Patrons can rent venues for weddings, etc. Touring performance arts companies can also rent space for performances.

Can’t Wait to Visit Mesa Arts Center? For more details, give them a call at (480) 644-6500! And find more information on their website and Facebook page.

Mesa Arts Center in Mesa AZ Reviews

“This is an awesome venue to see any show. I have been to at least a dozen shows here and there isn’t a bad seat in the house. Their staff is just as good we have tickets for more upcoming shows I can’t wait to see them.” – Dom S.

“I have seen several great performances here including Elvis Costello, Lucinda Williams and Sufjan Stevens. The acoustics in the Ikeda theatre are the best in town in my opinion. The Center also programs community arts events, musical theatre and even spoken word – all of which I’ve had the opportunity to enjoy with my family.” – Chris R.

“The Mesa Arts Center has become the hub of everything performance art for us in the East Valley. It’s a great location, a beautiful venue, and very accessible to performers and audiences alike. Thank you for a place to enjoy such a variety of talent.” – Angie S.

“What a find! Small museum with very friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful staff. Unique exhibits featuring artists from around the country, from American Southwest to East Coast in four small galleries (with another gallery being prepped for another exhibit). Free admission, guided tours with advance reservations by phone if desired. (Cash contributions accepted, no pressure or hard sell). We will come again next time we are in the Phoenix area, to explore new exhibits.” – Dan M.

“Great venue for an event! The acoustics are spot on for musical performances and the facility is well kept.” – Jason R.

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Mesa Arts Center • 1 East Main St. • Mesa AZ • (480) 644-6500

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