Louisville Center for the Arts

The Louisville Center for the Arts hosts many events all year long. These include concerts, art shows, theatre productions, classes for adults and children, and meetings.

The building was built in 1894 as a two-room schoolhouse. It is listed on the Louisville Register of Historic Places, an official list of important historic buildings. Updates over the years have kept the building's historic look while making it fully accessible.

Questions about a show or performance?

If you have a question about an art show or theater performance at the Center, please contact the arts group hosting the event. The City of Louisville does not sell tickets or set hours for these shows.

Our four resident arts groups are:

• Louisville Cultural Council
• Louisville Art Association
• Coal Creek Theater of Louisville
• CenterStage Theater Company

Capacity

The maximum number of people allowed in the Center at any one time is 80. This number includes staff, volunteers, and artists.

Rental rates

A resident is someone with a Louisville address. A non-resident does not have a Louisville address.

• Resident rates: 
  • Individuals and businesses: $65/hour
  • Nonprofits: $40/hours
• Non-resident rates: 
  • Individuals and businesses: $80/hour
  • Nonprofits: $50/hour

Rental details

• The minimum rental is 2 hours.
• You also get an extra half hour to set up and a half hour to clean up, at no extra charge.
• Refunds: If you cancel more than 14 days before your event, you get a full refund minus a $10 fee. If you cancel fewer than 14 days before, there is no refund.
• Damage fees:
  • $50 plus the cost of any damage for events with fewer than 50 people
  • $100 plus the cost of any damage for events with 50 or more people, or any event with alcohol

Food, drinks, and alcohol

Food is allowed. You may bring your own food or use a caterer of your choice.

If you serve food, you are responsible for cleaning up after your event:

• Take all trash to the dumpster behind the building.
• Wipe all tables clean.
• Clean up any spills.

Alcohol is allowed in certain situations.

If your event is open to the public: 

You need a Special Events Liquor Permit. This is a permit that lets you serve alcohol at a public event. You need it whether you sell the alcohol or give it away for free.

• You can get the permit online or at City Hall.
• Please allow at least 45 days for processing.
• Questions? Contact City Liquor Licensing at (303) 335-4574.

If your event is private: 

Private events may sell or give away alcohol without a permit. Private events include:

• Private parties with a guest list
• Events open only to current members of an organization or club

What's in the building

The Center has one multipurpose room (about 50' x 25') and a lobby. A partial wall separates the lobby from the main room.

Your rental includes the use of:

• Tables and chairs. Exact numbers are not guaranteed, but there are about:
  • 88 chairs (60 with arms, 28 without)
  • 15 rectangular tables, each 6 feet long
  • The tables are well-used, so you may want to bring your own table linens.
• Screen, projector, and speakers. You must bring your own laptop and the cables to connect it. Please arrange this in advance.
• Digital piano.
• Gallery-style artwork hanging system. You provide the wires with hooks.
• Kitchenette with a sink, disposal, and mini-fridge. Bring ice and coolers to keep items cold. Counter space is limited, so prepare food trays ahead of time.
• 2 ADA-accessible restrooms. 

A few things to know:

• This building does not have a microphone or PA system.
• If you hang decorations, please use gentle tape that will not damage the paint. Nails and tacks are not allowed.
• The temperature is set automatically within the City of Louisville's set range. Heat turns on or off as needed.

When you can reserve

• Arts events get priority. They may be booked in July for the following calendar year.
• For private parties and non-arts events, open dates are released to the public 120 days before the rental date.

What is not included

Your rental does not include:

• Event or venue management
• IT support

You rent the facility and equipment in its current condition. Internet speeds are limited, so please plan another option if you want to stream or broadcast your event. You can also check out a mobile hotspot from the Louisville Public Library.