The Varsity Center: Carbondale's Art Moderne Hub

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Experience live music, theater, and film in a beautifully restored Art Moderne venue in downtown Carbondale, Illinois.

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The Varsity Center

The Varsity Center, a beautifully restored Art Moderne theater in downtown Carbondale, Illinois, serves as a vibrant hub for live music, theater, films, and community events. Originally a single-screen movie house built in 1940, it has evolved into a multi-purpose venue that enriches the city's cultural scene.

A brief summary to The Varsity Center

418 S Illinois Ave, Carbondale, Illinois, 62901, US
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring The Varsity Center.

Check the Varsity Center's website or social media pages for the most up-to-date event listings and ticket information.
Arrive early, especially for popular events, to secure a good seat and enjoy a pre-show drink at the Varsity Bar.
Consider parking at City Hall and walking.

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Getting There

Walking

The Varsity Center is located at 418 S Illinois Ave in downtown Carbondale. From Carbondale City Hall, walk south on Illinois Avenue for about three blocks. The Varsity Center will be on your right. There are sidewalks along Illinois Avenue. Crosswalks are available at intersections.
Public Transport

JAX Mass Transit and South Central Transit (SCT) serve the area. Several JAX routes serve stops near the Varsity Center. SCT’s Chestnut Route connects Du Quoin, Pinckneyville, and Carbondale, stopping at the Amtrak station and SIU campus, with connections to JAX. A one-way fare on JAX or SCT is typically $2. Check the JAX or SCT website for the most up-to-date route information.
Driving

The Varsity Center is located at 418 S Illinois Ave, Carbondale, IL. From the intersection of Illinois Avenue and Main Street, continue south on Illinois Avenue. The Varsity Center will be on the right. Metered street parking is available along Illinois Avenue and in nearby lots. Metered parking is enforced from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Check signage for specific regulations. Parking fees vary.

Discover more about The Varsity Center

The Varsity Center for the Arts stands as a testament to Carbondale's commitment to arts and culture. Housed in the historic Varsity Theater, which first opened its doors in 1940, the center has become a cornerstone of the city's downtown. The building itself is an example of Art Moderne architecture, evoking a sense of nostalgia and grandeur.Originally a single-screen movie house with a seating capacity of 1,100, the Varsity Theater underwent several transformations, including being twinned and then triplexed. A fire in 1981 led to remodeling, but the theater eventually closed in 2003. In 2008, the Stage Company of Jackson County acquired the building and began an extensive restoration project, reopening it as the Varsity Center for the Arts.Today, the Varsity Center boasts three performance spaces: the Balcony Stage, a 137-seat listening room; the East Theater, seating 150; and the Big Room, with a capacity of 475. These spaces host a diverse array of events, including live music, theatrical productions by the Jackson County Stage Company, film screenings, and community gatherings. The Varsity Bar offers patrons a selection of local and craft beers and wines, as well as non-alcoholic beverages and snacks. The Varsity Center is located in the heart of downtown Carbondale, conveniently situated between City Hall and Southern Illinois University.