Set in a stately historic mansion, the Art and Culture Center/Hollywood has fascinating and beautiful contemporary visual arts exhibits. Browse its rotating exhibits or take part in its educational arts program. The center also manages the art school next door and the nearby Hollywood Central Performing Arts Center, which can seat up to 500 visitors.
The venue started as a small beachside gallery along Ocean Drive in 1975. It became a cultural center with the adjoining college for art education when it moved to its Downtown Hollywood location in 1992. The nearby Hollywood Central Performing Arts Center was added in 1997. After the Art and Culture Center of Hollywood was recognized as a “Major Cultural Institution” for Broward County in 2005, the organization focused even more on the region and changed its name to “Art and Culture Center/Hollywood” in 2019.
Before you step inside, admire the Mediterranean revival architecture of the Kagey mansion, which is about a century old and still has many of its original features. There are five ground-floor exhibit spaces with ever-changing artworks and themes. Head upstairs to visit the Student Gallery of the art school, which includes works by the rural students of the Distance Learning Arts Studio project.
The mission of the Art and Culture Center/Hollywood is “cultivating creativity and the support of the arts in the community.” Kids and adults can attend classes for drawing, acting, dancing, painting, music, writing and designing, among other artistic pursuits. Free Family Day outings include field trips to other arts centers and galleries. There are creative summer camps too.
The non-profit organization relies on government funds and community donations. The tickets for the shows and exhibits are also a source of income, but everyone can browse the exhibits for free on the third Sunday of the month. There are regular free music, theater and dance performances as well.
The Art and Culture Center/Hollywood is close to the Downtown Hollywood Artspark at Young Circle. The center is closed on weekend mornings and Mondays. Ample free parking is available on site. From the center, you can walk to the Hollywood Central Performing Arts Center in Monroe Street.
