Schauer Arts Center

The Schauer Arts Center, nestled in the heart of Hartford, Wisconsin, is far more than just a performing arts theater; it is a vibrant, multifaceted cultural institution serving as a beacon for artistic expression, education, and community gathering. This non-profit regional center is a cherished resource for locals and visitors alike, offering a rich tapestry of experiences ranging from world-class touring performances to local artistic showcases. At its core, the Schauer Arts Center is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Wisconsin by providing access to diverse artistic disciplines, fostering creativity, and offering exceptional spaces for a wide array of events. Whether you're seeking a captivating theatrical production, a stunning art exhibition, top-tier event hosting for a special occasion, or engaging arts education, the Schauer Arts Center stands ready to deliver. Its commitment to excellence and community engagement makes it a truly unique and invaluable asset to the cultural landscape of Hartford and the broader Wisconsin region.

Strategically positioned at 147 N Rural St, Hartford, WI 53027, USA, the Schauer Arts Center boasts an accessible and convenient location for residents throughout Hartford and the surrounding communities in Wisconsin. Its placement on North Rural Street, easily reachable from major thoroughfares like US HWY 41 and State HWY 60 W, ensures straightforward navigation for those traveling by car. A significant advantage, frequently highlighted by visitors, is the ample "free public parking available in front of the Schauer Arts Center, behind the Hartford Recreation Center, and throughout Hartford's downtown." This abundance of convenient parking eliminates the common stress of finding a spot, allowing guests to arrive relaxed and ready to enjoy their experience. For larger events, the easy access and parking capacity are particularly beneficial. The facility is also committed to accessibility for all patrons, offering "Handicapped parking, wheelchair seating, hearing assistance listening devices," and "wheelchair accessible restrooms" on both levels, with an elevator conveniently located in the main lobby. Patrons with special needs are encouraged to notify the Box Office in advance to ensure suitable arrangements. This dedication to ease of access and inclusivity makes the Schauer Arts Center a welcoming destination for everyone in Wisconsin.

• Performing Arts Presentations: Hosts a diverse schedule of world-class touring performances in the 549-seat Ruth A. Knoll Theater, including music concerts, theatrical productions, dance performances, and comedy shows.
• Event Venue Rentals: Offers a variety of versatile spaces for private and public events, including weddings, receptions, graduations, corporate meetings, holiday parties, trade shows, and family gatherings. These spaces include the grand Ruth A. Knoll Theater, the elegant Pikes Peak banquet room, the intimate Suckow Family Art Gallery, and the more casual Lodge/Ante Room.
• Event Planning Services: Provides professional event coordination and planning services to ensure smooth and successful events, with dedicated staff to assist with every detail, from initial planning to day-of execution.
• Bar Services: Offers comprehensive bar services for events, including a selection of beers, wines, champagne, and liquors served by attentive bartenders.
• Event Rentals: Provides a range of event items such as tables, chairs, centerpieces, ceremony arches, decor, drapery, lighting, and a portable dance floor, simplifying the planning process for clients.
• Art Gallery Exhibitions: Features the Suckow Family Art Gallery, which showcases rotating displays of local, regional, and national artists, providing a platform for visual arts appreciation.
• Schauer School of the Arts: Offers year-round arts instruction for children and adults in various disciplines, including dance, music, theater, and visual arts, fostering artistic development within the community.
• Box Office and Ticketing Services: Provides convenient in-person and online ticket purchasing options for all performances, with dedicated box office hours.
• Get-Ready Rooms/Bridal Suites: Specifically for weddings and large events, the theater includes amenities like a Greenroom, chorus-sized dressing rooms, a star dressing room, and private bathrooms with showers.
• Community Engagement: Supports and hosts local school and community group performances, further integrating the arts center into the fabric of the Wisconsin community.

• Multi-Venue Versatility: The Schauer Arts Center boasts multiple distinct spaces, including the grand Ruth A. Knoll Theater for large performances, the Pikes Peak banquet room with floor-to-ceiling windows for elegant events, the intimate Suckow Family Art Gallery, and smaller meeting spaces, offering flexibility for diverse event types and sizes.
• Exceptional Wedding Venue: Highly praised by numerous couples, the Schauer Arts Center is celebrated as an "Absolutely Loved" wedding venue. Its unique offering, including ceremonies in the theater and reception spaces like Pikes Peak, alongside access to the Wisconsin Auto Museum for cocktail hours, creates a memorable and distinctive experience.
• Dedicated Event Coordination: The center provides "amazing" event coordinators (like Katryna, as highlighted in reviews) who are described as "very flexible," "easy to talk to and work with," and willing to go "above and beyond" to ensure dream events come true, offering quick responses and hands-on assistance.
• Beautiful and Customizable Spaces: Reviewers consistently note the venue's "beautiful" aesthetics, with spaces that can be "equipped with hanging lights, and up lighting to illuminate the Hall," allowing for personalized decor and ambiance.
• Comfortable Seating and Acoustics: While specifically mentioned in general venue reviews, performing arts theaters of this caliber typically feature comfortable seating and excellent acoustics, ensuring a superior experience for all audience members during performances.
• Access to Wisconsin Auto Museum: A unique highlight for events, particularly weddings, is the option to include access to the neighboring Wisconsin Auto Museum for cocktail hours, which guests "loved" for its "uniqueness."
• Professional and Attentive Staff: From event coordinators to bartenders, the staff are consistently lauded as "very kind and attentive," providing seamless service and even assisting with clean-up, contributing to a stress-free experience for event hosts.
• Robust Arts Education Programs: The Schauer School of the Arts provides a significant community benefit, offering year-round instruction in dance, music, theater, and visual arts for all ages, fostering local talent and appreciation for the arts.
• Diverse Performing Arts Season: The center curates a vibrant season of national touring acts and local performances, offering a wide array of cultural entertainment options for the community.

Address: 147 N Rural St, Hartford, WI 53027, USA

Phone: (262) 670-0560 ext. 3

Mobile Phone: +1 262-670-0560 ext. 3

For residents of Hartford and across the Wisconsin region, the Schauer Arts Center stands as an indispensable and highly suitable local resource, offering a remarkable blend of cultural enrichment, educational opportunities, and exceptional event hosting. Its multifaceted nature caters directly to the diverse needs and desires of the local community, making it a true hub for arts and celebration.

One of its primary appeals for locals is the sheer variety of world-class performing arts that grace its stage. From national touring concerts and captivating theatrical productions to vibrant dance recitals and engaging family shows, the Ruth A. Knoll Theater brings a breadth of cultural experiences typically found only in larger metropolitan areas, right to the heart of Hartford. This allows Wisconsin residents to enjoy high-quality entertainment without the need for extensive travel, saving time and making cultural experiences more accessible for everyone.

Beyond performances, the Schauer Arts Center is a premier destination for significant life events. As highlighted by numerous ecstatic reviews, it has become a cherished wedding venue, offering unique features like ceremonies in the theater itself and cocktail hours in the adjacent Wisconsin Auto Museum. The dedicated and highly praised event coordination staff, such as Katryna, consistently go "above and beyond" to ensure that special days are executed flawlessly. This level of personalized service, combined with beautiful and customizable event spaces like Pikes Peak, makes it an ideal choice for locals seeking a memorable and stress-free venue for their most important celebrations, be it a wedding, graduation, or corporate gathering.

Furthermore, the Schauer School of the Arts is a foundational element that deeply benefits the local community. Offering year-round instruction in various artistic disciplines, it provides invaluable opportunities for children and adults to develop their talents, foster creativity, and engage with the arts on a personal level. This educational component cultivates a love for the arts from a young age and supports lifelong learning, directly contributing to the intellectual and cultural vibrancy of Wisconsin's communities. The center's convenient Hartford location, coupled with ample, free parking, further solidifies its status as an easy-to-access and enjoyable destination for all. In essence, the Schauer Arts Center is more than just a venue; it's a dynamic community asset that continually enriches the lives of Wisconsin residents through performances, celebrations, and comprehensive arts education, making it an undeniable local gem.

Schauer Arts Center

147 N Rural St, Hartford, WI 53027, USA