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Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts: Reno's Golden Turtle

Experience world-class performances beneath the iconic golden dome of Reno's Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts, a landmark of mid-century modern architecture.

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The Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts is a Reno landmark distinguished by its gold geodesic dome. Opened in 1968, this mid-century modern marvel hosts a variety of performances and stands as a testament to Reno's vibrant arts scene.

A brief summary to Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts

Local tips

  • Check the Pioneer Center's website for a current schedule of events and to purchase tickets in advance.
  • Arrive early to find parking, especially for evening or weekend performances.
  • Consider exploring the Riverwalk District before or after the show for dining and shopping.
  • Take a moment to admire the Pioneer family statue in front of the building, which gave the center its name.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Reno Arch, walk south on Virginia Street for about 5 minutes. The Pioneer Center will be on your left, across from the old Washoe County Courthouse. Be mindful of traffic signals at intersections.

  • Public Transport

    From the Reno Arch, walk to the nearest bus stop at Virginia Street and 4th Street. Catch RTC Ride bus number 5 or 6 southbound. Get off at the Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts stop. A single ride fare is $2.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    Use a ride-share app such as Uber or Lyft and enter 'Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts' or the address '100 S Virginia St, Reno, NV 89501' as your destination. A short trip from downtown Reno will typically cost between $8-$15, depending on demand.

  • Parking

    Several parking options are available near the Pioneer Center. The Washoe County lot across the street is free after 5 PM on weekdays and all day on weekends. Other nearby garages, such as the Liberty Center Garage, charge hourly rates. Metered street parking is also available, but may be limited. Check posted signs for rates and time limits.

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Discover more about Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts

The Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts, affectionately known as the "Golden Turtle" by locals, has been a cornerstone of Reno's cultural landscape since its opening in January 1968. Originally named the Pioneer Theater-Auditorium, it was designed by Bozalis, Dickinson and Roloff as a multi-purpose venue, intended to serve as both a performing arts space and a convention hall. The center's most striking feature is its gold-anodized aluminum geodesic dome, consisting of 500 interlocking panels. This dome, inspired by Buckminster Fuller's designs, was constructed by Temcor and rests on concrete arches. The building's architecture reflects a sense of optimism and progress that defined Reno in the 1960s. Inside, the Pioneer Center boasts a 1,500-seat theater that has welcomed a diverse array of performers, from international recording artists to local children. Over the years, the Pioneer Center has been home to the Reno Philharmonic Orchestra and Nevada Opera Association. In 2005, the Pioneer Center was added to the National Register of Historic Places, cementing its legacy as a treasured landmark.

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