The Cowles Center for Dance & the Performing Arts

For residents across Minnesota with a passion for live performance, especially dance, The Cowles Center for Dance & the Performing Arts stands as a vital and beloved institution in the heart of Minneapolis. More than just a theater, The Cowles Center is a dynamic hub where artistic expression thrives, showcasing the incredible talent of local and national artists. It's a place where the magic of dance, theater, and music comes alive, offering enriching experiences for audiences of all ages. From groundbreaking contemporary dance to captivating theatrical productions, The Cowles Center is deeply committed to supporting artists, engaging communities, and providing accessible arts education. This Minneapolis landmark is a true treasure for locals, contributing significantly to the vibrant cultural landscape of the Twin Cities and indeed, all of Minnesota.

The Cowles Center for Dance & the Performing Arts is ideally situated at 528 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403, USA. This prime location in downtown Minneapolis ensures excellent accessibility for visitors from across the metropolitan area and beyond. Hennepin Avenue is a central artery of the city's lively theater district, making The Cowles Center easy to locate and reach. For those utilizing public transportation, the venue is conveniently located less than a block from the Warehouse District Light Rail Station, providing a direct and efficient way to arrive for performances. Numerous bus lines also serve the area, further enhancing public transit options. For attendees driving, ample parking is available through various municipal ramps and surface lots nearby, though it is advisable to arrive early, especially during peak downtown events, and parking fees typically range from $15-20. Services like ParkMobile can also be used to reserve parking in advance, adding convenience for planning your visit. The central and well-connected location makes The Cowles Center a highly accessible cultural destination for all Minnesotans.

The Cowles Center for Dance & the Performing Arts offers a wide array of services and programming, establishing itself as a comprehensive performing arts complex:

• Dance Performances: The core focus of The Cowles Center, hosting a diverse annual season that represents over 20 local dance artists and companies from the Twin Cities, showcasing a wide breadth of dance styles. This includes contemporary, ballet, ethnic dance, and more.
• Theatre and Music Performances: While emphasizing dance, the center also accommodates an ambitious performance schedule of music, drama, and various other events, providing a versatile venue for different artistic expressions.
• Educational Initiatives: High-quality arts learning programs are offered for learners of all ages statewide. This includes residencies, workshops, and student matinees designed to engage students in dance and performing arts, often integrated into Minnesota schools. The "Dance without Barriers" program is a notable example.
• Rehearsal Studios: The center provides nine state-of-the-art rehearsal studios, equipped with sprung floors and mirrors, available for rent primarily for dance rehearsals, classes, workshops, auditions, and small meetings.
• Performance Venues: Features three distinct theaters, including the refurbished 510-seat Goodale Theater, providing versatile spaces for various production sizes and needs.
• Artist Support Programs: The Cowles Center supports the growth of dancers and companies through subsidized marketing and production assistance, below-market-rate office spaces, studios, and stages. They also administer programs like McKnight Fellowships and the MERGE program to foster artistic development.
• Community Engagement: Actively engages audiences through dynamic performances and fosters a vibrant arts community through various initiatives, including family day events that explore different types of dance in an accessible format.
• Venue Rental: The theaters and studios are available for rent, making it a suitable location for other performance groups, events, and educational activities.

The Cowles Center for Dance & the Performing Arts boasts several features and highlights that make it a standout venue and a beloved asset to the Minnesota arts scene, as consistently noted by its patrons:

• Intimate and Welcoming Venue: Reviewers consistently describe the venue as "cozy," "not too big, not too small," and "much more intimate than your typical theater." This creates a more personal and engaging experience for audience members, allowing for a closer connection to the performance.
• Professional and Friendly Staff: The staff at The Cowles Center receives high praise for being "extremely professional and friendly," and "well trained." This contributes significantly to a positive and seamless visitor experience, from ticketing to seating.
• Excellent Sound System: Patrons highlight the "excellent sound system," which is crucial for appreciating both musical scores and spoken word performances, ensuring a high-quality auditory experience without "cheap theater smell."
• Comfortable and Clean Environment: Despite comments about seating being "smaller and closer than other theaters," the venue is consistently described as clean, with "seats clean and carpet well vacuumed," contributing to an overall pleasant atmosphere.
• Classy yet Unpretentious Atmosphere: The Cowles Center strikes a balance between being "a very classy place without being pretentious." This creates an inviting environment where attendees can enjoy high-quality art without feeling intimidated.
• Historic Campus: The center combines the historic Hennepin Center for the Arts (formerly a Masonic Temple) and the iconic Shubert Theatre, connected by a modern atrium. This blend of historic architecture and modern amenities adds to its unique charm and character.
• Focus on Dance: As the Midwest's largest nonprofit dance complex, The Cowles Center serves as the flagship for dance in Minnesota. It plays a crucial role in making dance a viable profession in the state and providing a dedicated home for the local dance community to flourish.
• Commitment to Education and Equity: The Cowles Center is dedicated to providing free art-infused education programs to Minnesota schools and actively pursues anti-racist practices, ensuring accessibility and inclusivity for traditionally underrepresented communities in dance.

For those in the Minneapolis area and across Minnesota looking to connect with The Cowles Center for Dance & the Performing Arts, here is their contact information:

Address: 528 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403, USA

Phone: (612) 206-3600

Mobile Phone: +1 612-206-3600

For residents of Minnesota, The Cowles Center for Dance & the Performing Arts is an exceptionally suitable local destination for cultural enrichment and entertainment. Its central location in downtown Minneapolis, easily accessible by light rail, bus, or car, makes it convenient for anyone in the Twin Cities metro and beyond to attend. The venue's intimate setting, praised by visitors for being "just right" in size, allows for a truly engaging experience with performances, fostering a closer connection between artists and audience members. Beyond its role as a performance space, The Cowles Center is deeply committed to supporting the local arts ecosystem, providing essential rehearsal spaces and administrative support for numerous Minnesota dance and performing arts organizations. Its dedication to arts education, including programs for schools and community engagement initiatives, further cements its value as a community asset. Whether you're a long-time admirer of dance, curious about live theater, or seeking enriching educational experiences for your family, The Cowles Center offers a professional, friendly, and high-quality environment that consistently delivers memorable artistic encounters, making it a cornerstone of Minnesota's vibrant cultural life.

The Cowles Center for Dance & the Performing Arts

528 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403, USA