Jack Benny Center for the Arts

The Jack Benny Center for the Arts, located in Waukegan's Bowen Park, is a vibrant center for cultural arts programming. The center is named in honor of Waukegan native Jack Benny, the famous comedian, and serves as a place where the community can engage in a variety of artistic pursuits. The center offers year-round classes in art, music, dance, and theater for youth and adults. Private music lessons are available for a variety of instruments, including guitar, violin, piano, and voice. The Waukegan Symphony Orchestra and Concert Chorus perform throughout the year, adding to the center's appeal as a cultural destination. The center also houses the Waukegan History Museum, which offers tours, classes, and programs. The Jack Benny Center for the Arts has a rich history. It began in 1964 as the Music Center of Lake County, a non-profit organization offering music instruction. In 1974, the name was changed to the Jack Benny Center for the Arts to reflect the diverse arts programs offered. In 1982, the center became the Cultural Arts Division of the Waukegan Park District. The Waukegan Park District completed a new home for the center in Bowen Park in 1987. Goodfellow Hall, later renamed the Dr. Lynn Schornick Theatre, was added, providing a venue for theater and opera performances. Special events at the Jack Benny Center include the Ray Bradbury's Dandelion Wine Fine Arts Festival in June and the Joseph A. Favero Memorial Do It Yourself Messiah in December. The Waukegan Historical Society also has exhibits honoring Jack Benny at the center, showcasing his early life in Waukegan and his successful career in radio, television, and film.