Things to do nearTempe Center For The Arts

Opened in 2007, the Tempe Center for the Arts was designed by Barton Myers Associates and quickly became a defining piece of civic architecture in the Valley of the Sun. The building's angular roofline and floor-to-ceiling glass walls were conceived to frame views of the water and the Sonoran landscape beyond, making the setting itself part of the experience.

The center houses a 600-seat proscenium theater, a flexible 200-seat studio theater, and a gallery that rotates visual arts exhibitions throughout the year. Programming spans classical and contemporary dance, orchestral concerts, stand-up comedy, and locally produced plays, giving the venue a breadth that few similarly sized houses in Arizona can match.

The location along Rio Salado Park adds a natural dimension to any visit. The surrounding trails and restored riparian habitat are worth exploring before or after a performance. Nearby, Downtown Tempe offers a range of restaurants on Mill Avenue that make it easy to build an entire evening around a show.

For anyone drawn to culture, design, and the energy of a college city, the Tempe Center for the Arts delivers a memorable night out in the heart of the East Valley.