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Palo Alto Art Center: A Community Hub for Creativity

Explore diverse art exhibitions, engage in creative programs, and connect with the community at the Palo Alto Art Center.

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The Palo Alto Art Center is a vibrant community space offering free exhibitions, art classes, and diverse programs for all ages. Housed in Palo Alto's former City Hall, it's a place to explore and create.

A brief summary to Palo Alto Art Center

  • Monday 9:30 am-6 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-6 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-6 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-6 pm
  • Friday 9 am-6 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 1 pm-5 pm

Local tips

  • Check the Art Center's website for current exhibitions and events before your visit.
  • Take advantage of the free admission to explore the galleries.
  • Consider attending a Friday Night at the Art Center for a fun and engaging experience.
  • If you're interested in taking an art class, check the Art Center's schedule for available options.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Palo Alto Art Center is located adjacent to Rinconada Park and the Rinconada Public Library, making it easily accessible on foot from many points in Palo Alto. From downtown Palo Alto, walk east on Embarcadero Road. Turn right onto Newell Road. The Art Center will be on your left. The walk is approximately 15-20 minutes. No costs are associated with walking.

  • Public Transport

    The Palo Alto Art Center is accessible via public transportation. Several VTA bus routes serve the area. Check the VTA website for the most up-to-date routes and schedules. From the Palo Alto Transit Center, you can take the 21, 22, or Rapid 522 bus lines. A single ride on VTA costs $2.50. Alternatively, Palo Alto Link, the city's rideshare service, offers rides for $4, with discounted fares of $2 for disabled, low-income, and senior riders.

  • Driving

    If driving, take Embarcadero Road and turn onto Newell Road. The Art Center is located at 1313 Newell Road. Limited parking is available at the Art Center, including disabled parking spots. Additional parking may be found on nearby streets. Parking in most downtown Palo Alto lots is free for two hours (and parking garages for three hours) during weekdays and Saturdays. After the time limit, a car cannot re-park in the same "color zone" for the rest of the day.

Unlock the Best of Palo Alto Art Center

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Discover more about Palo Alto Art Center

The Palo Alto Art Center, located at 1313 Newell Road in Palo Alto, is a dynamic and welcoming space dedicated to fostering creativity and community engagement through the arts. Originally established in 1971 as the Palo Alto Community Cultural Center, it has evolved into a central hub for visual arts, serving approximately 140,000 visitors annually. The Art Center occupies a building with a rich history, designed in 1953 by architect Leslie Nichols. It served as Palo Alto's City Hall before being transformed into an art center. A major renovation from 2010 to 2012 added new classrooms and a children's wing, enhancing its capacity to serve the community. Unique features of the building include the auditorium, which was previously the City Hall council chambers, and the Children's Wing entrance, which once functioned as a drive-up utility bill payment window. The Palo Alto Art Center offers a diverse range of programs, including free exhibitions showcasing local and traveling artists, art classes for adults and children, workshops, summer camps, and drop-in programs. The Art Center also hosts special events such as Friday Night at the Art Center, Family Days, the Clay and Glass Festival, and the Great Glass Pumpkin Patch. These events provide interactive and engaging experiences for visitors of all ages. The Palo Alto Art Center Foundation, founded in 1973, plays a crucial role in supporting the Art Center through fundraising and advocacy. The foundation contributes to new programs and ensures the Art Center remains a vital resource for the community.

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