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Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts: A Cultural Hub

A vibrant cultural hub in downtown Mountain View, offering world-class theater, music, dance, and visual arts for all ages.

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The Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts (MVCPA) is a vibrant cultural center in the heart of downtown Mountain View, California, hosting a diverse array of theatrical, musical, and dance performances, as well as visual arts exhibits and lectures since 1991. With three stages, it serves as a home for both world-class acts and local community arts.

A brief summary to Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts

Local tips

  • Check the MVCPA website for upcoming events and show schedules.
  • Arrive early for performances to secure parking in the Civic Center garage.
  • Consider taking public transportation or the free Mountain View Community Shuttle to avoid parking hassles.
  • Explore the restaurants and cafes in downtown Mountain View before or after a show.
  • Take advantage of senior discounts on tickets by asking before purchasing.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Mountain View Transit Center (Caltrain/VTA), walk north on Castro Street for approximately five blocks. The MVCPA will be on your left, at the corner of Castro and Mercy streets. The walk is generally flat and takes about 10-15 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    Take any VTA bus or light rail line that stops at the Mountain View Transit Center. From there, follow the walking directions. Alternatively, use the free Mountain View Community Shuttle, which has multiple stops near the MVCPA. Check the shuttle schedule for the most convenient route and times. VTA bus fare is around $2.50 for a single ride.

  • Driving

    From Highway 101, take the Rengstorff Avenue exit and head south. Turn left onto Central Expressway, then turn right onto Castro Street. The MVCPA will be on your right. Free parking is available in the Civic Center garage underneath the center. Additional parking is available in the Bryant Street lot and the parking structure at Bryant and California streets. Expect to pay around $15-20 for rideshare from nearby locations.

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Discover more about Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts

The Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts (MVCPA) has been a cornerstone of the city's cultural scene since its dedication in January 1991. Located in the heart of downtown Mountain View, the MVCPA is home to world-class theater, dance, and music, along with visual arts displays, lectures, and corporate events. Over 170,000 people flock to the center annually, contributing to the economic and cultural well-being of the community. The MVCPA boasts three stages: the MainStage, a 600-seat theater; the SecondStage, a more intimate 200-seat venue; and the outdoor ParkStage, which can accommodate up to 300 people. This allows the center to host a wide variety of performances, from large-scale theatrical productions to smaller, more experimental works. The center is operated by the City of Mountain View and is home to several resident theater companies, including TheatreWorks, Peninsula Youth Theatre, and Upstage Theater. It has hosted performances by renowned artists such as Joel Gray, Paula Poundstone, and Dizzy Gillespie, as well as lectures by prominent figures like Robert Redford and Al Gore. The MVCPA is not just a place to watch art; it's a place to create it, with numerous shows by local artists, community choruses, ensembles, and dance groups contributing to the community. Free parking is available in the Mountain View Civic Center garage located directly under the center, with additional parking in adjacent lots. The center is also easily accessible via public transportation, being a short walk from the Mountain View Transit Center, which serves Caltrain, VTA Light Rail, and VTA buses. The free Mountain View Community Shuttle also stops near the center.

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