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Mesa Arts Center: A Hub for Culture and Creativity

Experience world-class performances, stunning exhibitions, and engaging arts education at the Mesa Arts Center in downtown Mesa, Arizona.

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The Mesa Arts Center, located in the heart of downtown Mesa, Arizona, is the state's largest comprehensive arts campus. This award-winning center offers a diverse range of performances, visual art exhibitions, and educational programs, making it a vibrant destination for art lovers of all ages.

A brief summary to Mesa Arts Center

Local tips

  • Check the Mesa Arts Center's website for a calendar of events and to purchase tickets in advance, especially for popular performances.
  • Arrive early to allow time for parking, especially if attending a major event. Consider using the Valley Metro Rail to avoid parking hassles.
  • Visit the Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum (MCA), which offers free admission to its rotating exhibitions.
  • Explore the Shadow Walk, a unique outdoor space featuring gardens, water features, and public art.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

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

  • Driving

    If driving, the Mesa Arts Center is located at 1 E Main St, Mesa, AZ 85201. From US 60, exit at Country Club Drive and head north to Main Street, then turn right. Limited street parking is available, and paid parking lots are nearby, including the Mesa Arts Center South Parking Lot and the Sirrine Street Garage. Parking fees for these lots are typically $10 during events. Free parking is available within walking distance, such as the public parking lot at the northwest corner of West Street and Macdonald, and the Centennial Parking Garage after 5 p.m. on weekdays and all day on weekends.

  • Walking

    The Mesa Arts Center is located in downtown Mesa and is easily walkable from many nearby attractions, restaurants, and shops. From the Arizona Museum of Natural History, walk south on Macdonald to Main Street, then east to the Arts Center. The walk is approximately 0.2 miles.

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Discover more about Mesa Arts Center

The Mesa Arts Center stands as a beacon of artistic expression and community engagement in downtown Mesa. Opened in 2005, this expansive 210,000-square-foot facility is the largest of its kind in Arizona, encompassing four performance venues, five art galleries within the Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum, and 14 classroom studios. The center's architecture, designed by Bora Architects and DWL Architects + Planners, is inspired by the Sonoran Desert landscape. The Shadow Walk, a major pathway through the campus, features outdoor gardens, water features, and public art, creating a unique and inviting atmosphere. The Mesa Arts Center hosts a wide array of events, including performances by world-renowned artists, local performing arts companies, and resident groups such as the East Valley Children's Theatre and the Southwest Shakespeare Company. The Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum (MCA) showcases rotating exhibitions of contemporary art, celebrating the diversity of local, national, and international artists. Admission to the museum is free. Beyond performances and exhibitions, the Mesa Arts Center offers nearly 1,000 visual and performing arts classes each year. The center also hosts four free community festivals annually, further solidifying its role as a vital cultural hub.

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