Mitchell Fine Arts Center

For those in Lexington, Kentucky, with a passion for live performances, visual arts, and engaging cultural experiences, the Mitchell Fine Arts Center stands as a pivotal hub. Located on the historic campus of Transylvania University, this esteemed venue is much more than just a building; it's a vibrant heart for the arts in Central Kentucky. Whether you're seeking a captivating theatrical production, a stirring musical performance, an insightful art exhibition, or a community event, the Mitchell Fine Arts Center offers a diverse calendar that enriches the cultural landscape of our beloved Bluegrass region.

The Mitchell Fine Arts Center, often referred to as MFA, serves as the central point for performing arts at Transylvania University. It houses not only classrooms, practice, and rehearsal rooms for the university's music, theater, and art and art history programs but also two significant performance spaces: Haggin Auditorium and Carrick Theater. Additionally, it is home to the Morlan Gallery, which regularly hosts impressive art exhibitions throughout the academic year. The venue's commitment to showcasing both student and professional talent, coupled with its inviting atmosphere, makes it a cherished destination for locals looking to immerse themselves in high-quality artistic endeavors. Its presence significantly contributes to Lexington's reputation as a city with a thriving arts scene, providing opportunities for entertainment, education, and community engagement right in our backyard.

The Mitchell Fine Arts Center is conveniently located at 350 N. Broadway, W 4th St, Lexington, KY 40508, USA. This central downtown Lexington address places it within easy reach for residents across the city and surrounding areas. Being situated on the campus of Transylvania University, the center benefits from the university's infrastructure and location in a well-established part of the city.

Accessing the Mitchell Fine Arts Center is generally straightforward by car, with parking typically available on or near the Transylvania University campus. For those utilizing ride-sharing services or taxis, the location is well-known. While the main entrances to the MFA building do have steps, which may present a challenge for individuals with mobility issues, it's important to note that the center is committed to inclusivity. They encourage guests with accessibility concerns to call or email ahead for assistance. Specifically, for Haggin Auditorium, there are designated wheelchair spaces in the front row, accessible via an elevator on Level 1. The auditorium itself has a sloped seating area, which can accommodate those with reduced mobility, although guests are advised to consider the slope's comfort level. For Carrick Theater, accessible seating along the back wall can accommodate wheelchairs, and its main entrance is accessible via Level 1R on the elevator. The facility also has all-gender restrooms. While improvements are continually being pursued, such as assisted listening systems and Braille signage, the staff's willingness to assist ensures that a visit to the Mitchell Fine Arts Center is as welcoming as possible for all members of our community.

• Live Performance Venue: The center hosts a wide array of live performances, including musical concerts (such as orchestral performances, jazz, and classical music), theatrical productions (plays and musicals), and comedy shows.
• Art Exhibitions: Home to the Morlan Gallery, the Mitchell Fine Arts Center regularly features diverse art exhibitions throughout the academic year, showcasing both student and professional works.
• Educational and Academic Facilities: As part of Transylvania University, the center provides classrooms, practice rooms, and rehearsal spaces for the university's music, theater, and art and art history programs.
• Event Hosting and Rentals: The Mitchell Fine Arts Center offers its facilities, including Haggin Auditorium and Carrick Theater, for external events. Rental fees are à la carte and individually priced based on event needs, with a typical minimum rental cost of $6,000, requiring in-house labor.
• Community Engagement: The center frequently hosts public events, including free concerts and lectures, aiming to engage the broader Lexington community in arts and culture.
• Two Primary Performance Spaces: It features Haggin Auditorium with a 1,028-seat capacity and Carrick Theater with a 280-seat capacity, providing versatile options for events of different scales.
• Support for University Programs: It serves as a vital resource for Transylvania University's performing and visual arts departments, offering students opportunities for performance, exhibition, and hands-on experience.

• Dual-Purpose Performance Spaces: A unique highlight is the presence of two distinct performance venues within one building – the expansive Haggin Auditorium (1,028 seats) and the more intimate Carrick Theater (280 seats). This versatility allows for a wide range of productions and events to be hosted effectively, from large-scale concerts to smaller, more personal performances.
• Home to Morlan Gallery: The inclusion of the Morlan Gallery within the center provides a dedicated space for visual arts, offering a complementary experience to the performing arts. This allows patrons to enjoy art exhibitions before or after a show, creating a more comprehensive cultural outing.
• Central Location in Lexington: Situated on Transylvania University's campus in downtown Lexington, the center is easily accessible to a large portion of the Kentucky population, particularly those in the Central Kentucky area. Its prominent location makes it a recognizable and convenient destination for cultural events.
• Friendly and Accommodating Staff: As noted by customer reviews, the staff at Mitchell Fine Arts Center are consistently described as "very friendly" and helpful. This contributes significantly to a positive patron experience, ensuring a welcoming environment for all visitors.
• Architectural Beauty and Atmosphere: Reviewers have praised the "amazing space and beautiful site," indicating that the aesthetic quality of the venue enhances the overall experience of attending shows and events. This creates a memorable setting for cultural engagement.
• Diverse Programming: The center hosts a wide array of events, from classical music performances and comedy shows to theatrical productions and academic lectures, ensuring there's something to appeal to varied tastes within the local community.
• Historical Significance (Transylvania University Campus): Being part of Transylvania University, one of the oldest universities in the United States, adds a layer of historical significance to the venue, connecting it to a rich educational and cultural heritage in Kentucky.

To inquire about upcoming events, ticket purchases, facility rentals, or any other information regarding the Mitchell Fine Arts Center, you can utilize the following contact details:

Address: 350 N. Broadway, W 4th St, Lexington, KY 40508, USA

Phone: (859) 233-8585

Mobile Phone: +1 859-233-8585

For the most current event schedules and ticketing information, checking the official Transylvania University arts and events calendar, or contacting the center directly by phone, would be the most effective methods. The friendly staff mentioned in reviews are ready to assist you with any questions you may have, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience when planning your visit.

For residents of Kentucky, especially those in and around Lexington, the Mitchell Fine Arts Center is an indispensable cultural asset. Its suitability for locals stems from its consistent delivery of high-quality artistic programming within a welcoming and accessible environment. As reviews highlight, this is a "great space for shows and other events with very friendly staff," creating an inviting atmosphere that encourages repeat visits and deepens community engagement with the arts. The fact that many have "made a lot of memories here" speaks volumes about its role as a place for shared experiences and cultural enrichment within our community.

The center's diverse offerings, ranging from captivating theatrical productions and enchanting musical concerts to thought-provoking art exhibitions in the Morlan Gallery, ensure that there is always something to pique the interest of various age groups and artistic preferences. This breadth of programming means that locals don't have to travel far to experience world-class performances or engaging visual arts. Being part of Transylvania University also integrates it into the fabric of local higher education, offering opportunities for both students and the public to interact with the arts in an academic setting.

Moreover, the Mitchell Fine Arts Center's commitment to accessibility, despite its older construction, demonstrates a dedication to serving all members of our community. While physical adjustments may be ongoing, the proactive approach of the staff in assisting patrons with mobility concerns ensures that more people can enjoy the events. This spirit of inclusivity, combined with its central location and the sheer variety of cultural experiences it offers, makes the Mitchell Fine Arts Center a true gem in Lexington. It’s a place where our community can gather, be inspired, and create lasting memories through the power of performing and visual arts, solidifying its role as a vital hub for local culture and entertainment.

Mitchell Fine Arts Center

350 N. Broadway, W 4th St, Lexington, KY 40508, USA