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Mid-Michigan's Landmark Destination for World-class Entertainment and Cultural Programming

Explore what's happening on our stages and in the museum for all ages.
Midland Center for the Arts Building
Alden B. Dow Museum of Science and Art
Empty Theatre
Choir singers
Center Stage Theater
Midland Symphony Orchestra

Shift Your Perspective

Imagine a place where art, science, history, music, theater, dance, films, camps, classes and professional world-class entertainers live under one roof! This is Midland Center for the Arts, a one-of-a-kind venue where all ages are invited to create as well as appreciate and explore a diverse array of guest artists, internationally known art and science exhibits, professional symphony concerts, award-winning theatre, art classes and more. Our facility includes:

  • A 1,500-seat Auditorium
  • A 400-seat Little Theatre
  • A 97-seat Lecture-Recital Hall
  • Alden B. Dow Museum of Science and Art
    • The Hall of Ideas – permanent interactive exhibits
    • Museum exhibit areas on the fourth level
    • SparksLab!
  • Art Studios & Rehearsal Rooms
In addition, the Center houses the Midland County Historical Society that includes historic homes, galleries, archives and research facilities at the Doan Historical Center and Heritage Park on Main Street in Midland.

Mission

A regional cultural destination where people find meaning and connection in their busy lives.

Great Lakes Bay Region

The Center of it All

Shows & Events
Museum of Science & Art
Midland Symphony Orchestra
Heritage Park
Center Stage Theatre
Choirs of the Center
Midland County Historical Society
Classes & Camps


“Midland Center for the Arts’ vision is to be a key partner in making the Great Lakes Bay Region the best place to live in Michigan and we work to ensure that everyone in our region can find their place within our programs.  There are many ways you can help the Center stay vibrant!  Volunteer your time, talent and energy;  attend a performance or exhibit;  purchase a subscription; or make a donation to our Friends of Center program – and invite your friends to do the same.  I hope to see you at the Center!”

- Terri Trotter, President & CEO

How We Began

Long before there was a Midland Center for the Arts there were people in the area making music, staging dramas, painting landscapes and appreciating fine concerts and rare books. The places they gathered in the name of art were diverse: barn lofts, churches, company cafeterias, riverbanks and school auditoriums, to name a few.

The idea of combining the arts programs and activities under one roof in Midland was discussed as early as 1960. A definite move in that direction was made when interested members of the Midland Art Association (now part of the Alden B. Dow Museum of Science and Art) and the Midland Little Theatre Guild (now Center Stage Theatre) got together to discuss their housing needs. Ground was broken in July 1968 and the building was officially deemed complete and turned over to the Board of Directors on January 1, 1971.

 

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More to Know

Annual Report

After a year of many unknowns, we share these impactful results that allowed our patrons and donors to gather in safe and meaningful ways.
Annual Report

Strategic Plan

Our mission and vision for the organization through 2021
Download

Board of Directors

The leaders providing direction and oversight of the Midland Center for the Arts
Learn More

Guidestar

Learn about the Center through Guidestar.
Guidestar