Background

Mesa Arts Center: A Sonoran Desert Oasis of Culture

Experience world-class performances, stunning art exhibitions, and inspiring educational programs at Arizona's premier arts campus.

4.7
A question is required

The Mesa Arts Center, located in the heart of downtown Mesa, Arizona, is the state's largest comprehensive arts campus. This architecturally stunning facility offers a diverse array of visual and performing arts experiences, including live theater, concerts, museum exhibitions, and educational programs.

A brief summary to Mesa Arts Center

Local tips

  • Check the Mesa Arts Center's website for a full calendar of events and performances.
  • Admission to the Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum is free.
  • Consider taking the Valley Metro Rail to the Center/Main St. stop for easy access to the Mesa Arts Center.
  • Parking is available in several lots and garages near the Mesa Arts Center, but can be limited during events.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Public Transport

    The Mesa Arts Center is easily accessible via the Valley Metro Rail. Take the light rail to the Center/Main St. station, which is directly across the street from the Mesa Arts Center. A single ride fare costs $2.

  • Walking

    From anywhere in downtown Mesa, the Mesa Arts Center is easily reachable on foot. It is located at One E. Main Street, at the southeast corner of Center and Main streets. Look for the architecturally distinctive buildings and outdoor art installations.

  • Driving

    If driving, the Mesa Arts Center is located at One E. Main Street. From US 60, exit at Country Club Drive and head north to Main Street, then turn right. Several parking options are available, including the Mesa Arts Center Lot (1st Avenue between Center St & Sirrine St) and the Sirrine Street Garage (30 S Sirrine St). Parking fees for most events are $5-$10. Free parking is available at the Centennial Parking Garage (145 N Centennial Way) after 5 p.m. on weekdays and all day on weekends.

Unlock the Best of Mesa Arts Center

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

q

Discover more about Mesa Arts Center

The Mesa Arts Center stands as a beacon of culture in the heart of downtown Mesa, Arizona. Completed in 2005 at a cost of $95 million, this 210,000-square-foot facility is the largest comprehensive arts campus in the state. The center's design, reflective of the Sonoran Desert landscape, incorporates outdoor gardens, sunken courtyards, and water features. The Mesa Arts Center is home to four performance venues: the 1,600-seat Ikeda Theater, the 550-seat Virginia G. Piper Repertory Theater, the 200-seat Nesbitt/Elliott Playhouse, and the intimate 99-seat Farnsworth Studio Theater. These venues host a wide variety of performances, including Broadway shows, concerts by national and international artists, and performances by local arts organizations. Resident companies include the East Valley Children's Theatre, Mesa Encore Theatre, Metropolitan Youth Symphony, Southwest Shakespeare Company, and Salt River Brass. The Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum (MCA) is a free-to-visit museum with five galleries showcasing the works of contemporary artists. The MCA hosts rotating exhibitions that celebrate the diversity of the local, national, and international arts community. In addition to its performance and visual arts offerings, the Mesa Arts Center provides educational programs for people of all ages. The center has 14 visual and performing arts classroom studios and offers nearly 1,000 classes each year. The Mesa Arts Center also hosts four free community festivals each year. The center's location was strategically chosen to revitalize Mesa's downtown area.

Popular Experiences near Mesa Arts Center

Popular Hotels near Mesa Arts Center

Select Currency