Bloomington Center for the Arts

Bloomington Center for the Arts (BCA) occupies the north end of the Bloomington Civic Plaza campus, which also includes the City’s police headquarters, service counters, and office stations for City staff. Constructed and opened in 2003, the BCA serves a diverse group of constituents and events. 

• It is home to seven independently-operated, non-profit resident arts organization tenants
• It houses several civic engagement programs
• It hosts large-scale city and community annual festivals
• It serves as an extension of Civic Plaza for City departmental use
• It operates community arts education programs
• It offers a diverse array of spaces rentable for City and private functions
• It has two art galleries featuring local visual artists and exhibitions
• It hosts over 150 live events and performances annually

Open the tabs below for more information about BCA amenities and offerings. 

Monday: 8 a.m. - 10 p.m. 
Tuesday: 8 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Wednesday: 8 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Thursday: 8 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. - 10 p.m. 
Sunday: 12 - 6 p.m.

2026 BCA Closures

• Monday, January 1 - New Year's Day*
• Monday, January 19 - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
• Monday, February 16 - Presidents' Day
• Monday, May 25 - Memorial Day
• Friday, June 19 - Juneteenth
• Saturday, July 3* and 4 - Independence Day
• Monday, September 7 - Labor Day
• Wednesday, November 11 - Veterans Day
• Thursday, November 26 - Thanksgiving
• Friday. November 27  - Day After Thanksgiving
• Friday, December 25 - Christmas*

* Closing at 4:30 p.m. the day before

RENT SPACE AT BCA

The Center for the Arts includes two theaters, two galleries, dance studio and rehearsal spaces, art classrooms and offices for the facility's seven resident arts organizations. Indoor and outdoor spaces are available for rentals. Click the blue button above to visit the online rental page. 

Visit the Rentals and Reservations page for additional details.

NOTE: BCA is no longer accepting party rental reservations. Outdoor park shelters are available to rent for parties from April 15 through October 15 annually. Bloomington Ice Garden also offers rental spaces for parties. The new Community Health and Wellness Center will be available for party rental upon completion in 2027. 

Fees and Forms

• BCA Rental Space Information Packet
• 2026 Center for the Arts Performance, Arts and Council Space Rental Fees
• 2026 Civic Plaza Conference Room Rental Fees and Request Form
• Outdoor Space Rental Request Form
  • Spaces include East Lawn, Amphitheater and BCA Patio.

Learn more about the multi-use Black Box Theater space at Bloomington Center for the Arts. 

Did You Know? The Black Box Theater

Video URL: https://youtu.be/FD3EZjIu-X4

Artistry presents exhibitions in the Inez Greenburg Gallery and the Atrium Gallery at the north end of Bloomington Civic Plaza. Explore current and future programming on the Artistry website.

The Inez Greenberg Gallery typically features group shows, and site-specific art installations. The Atrium Gallery hosts smaller exhibits, often by a solo artist.

Accessibility: Bloomington Center for the Arts is accessible for individuals with disabilities.

Pets: No animals are allowed (excepting service animals for people with disabilities).

Smoking: Bloomington Center for the Arts is a nonsmoking facility. Smoking on the grounds is permitted only in designated areas.

Art Center mural: During the summer of 2007, mural artist Erik Pearson painted a 2,500-square-foot mural that wraps around the northeast corner of the Center for the Arts building's exterior. 

VIDEOS AND MEDIA

Learn more about the galleries at Bloomington Center for the Arts in the video below.  And then view the various individual exhibit features in the Gallery Exhibits Playlist on the City of Bloomington YouTube Channel. 

Discover Bloomington: Civic Plaza Art

Video URL: https://youtu.be/t3BHpK5gfPk

A new study on the size and social, cultural and economic impact of the nonprofit arts and culture sector in the City of Bloomington was released in February 2021, by Creative Minnesota, Minnesota Citizens for the Arts, and the City of Bloomington. The Creative Minnesota study is part of an ongoing series of research reports about the arts and culture sector in Minnesota that is available for free online at CreativeMN.org.  

Creative Minnesota quantifies the impact and needs of Minnesota’s artists and creative workers, updates previous studies on the economic impact of our state’s 1,903 nonprofit arts and culture organizations, and reviews other research about the arts sector in the state.

Click the image below to see the full report as a PDF. 

Image above shows economic metrics of 25 arts organizations on the City from Bloomington including $4.3 million spent by the organizations, $7.8 million spent by arts customers, and a total impact of $12.1 million on the City. Also shown are the $196 million in spending by full-time artists and creative workers, $88 million by part-time artists and creative workers, and $284 million in resulting economic impact on Hennepin County.  

Volunteer as an usher and experience great performances at Bloomington Center for the Arts in person. Usher Sign-Up

To learn more about other volunteer opportunities (Farmers Market, Special Events, Summer Youth Programs, etc.) visit the Parks and Recreation Volunteer page.  

Artistry Classes

Whether you’re experienced or just starting out, Artistry has opportunities for you to explore a wide variety of visual arts.

For current class schedule and to register, visit the EDUCATION tab at artistrymn.org.

Artistry Theater and Visual Arts
Bloomington Center for the Arts
1800 West Old Shakopee Road
Bloomington, MN 55431

Whether you're looking for skill building, fun, or reliable care, Bloomington Community Education can help you find your fit. 

Discover the perfect class or activity for youths and adults right here in Bloomington by visiting bloomington.arux.app.

Featured Adult Class

The Mid-Day Shuffle: Low-Impact Tap for Adults
Bloomington Community Education invites you to trade strict routines for pure rhythm! Focus less on mastering exact technique and more on the joy of movement, musicality and a great low-impact tapping workout. Grab your shoes and let’s make some noise together!

General Program Information
Days: Tuesday
Dates: September 8 - December 8, 2026
No class October 6 and November 3
Times: 11:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Who: Adults ages 18 and above
Registration: Sign up online at bloomington.arux.app

Continental Ballet Company classes are available for individuals of all ages and abilities.

For current class schedule and to register, visit: continentalballet.com/class-schedule

Questions? Call 952-563-8562.

Continental Ballet Company
Bloomington Center for the Arts
1800 West Old Shakopee Road
Bloomington, MN 55431
continentalballet.com

This course is ideal for those who have never painted watercolor. Acquire basic wet-into-wet techniques and good watercolor habits while learning to paint multicolored flowers and modulate value in monochromatic flowers. Paint basic floral forms with gradual increases in difficulty, becoming comfortable with watercolor as a medium and learning skills that can be the basis for further study.

Instructor Mary Axelson is an award-winning painter with Signature Status in Minnesota Watercolor Society, Red River Watercolor Society, California Watercolor Society and South Carolina Watercolor Society. Her painting “Great White Hope” received “Best of Show” in the MNWS 2026 Spring Show “Pushing Pigments.”

• Days: Friday
• Dates: October 23 - November 20, 2026
• Times: 1:30 - 4 p.m.
• Fee: $60 per participant (5 sessions) 
• Registration: Online at Webtrac
  • For adults 18 years of age and above. 
• Supplies: Not provided. Must be purchased in advance of first class. See registration link for full materials list. 

Heijeu Arts Classes

Artist Open Studio 

Sometimes the best thing for your creative practice is simply showing up — with other artists. Artist Open Studio is a welcoming, unstructured space where artists of all levels come together to create, connect, and inspire one another. 

Each session, participants are invited to:

• Share updates on their current work

• Collaborate on a group project

• Spend time making art alongside a supportive community of fellow creatives. 

Sessions are led by artist and educator Heidi Jeub. She'll offer her expertise and feedback! This is the perfect way to carve out dedicated time for your art, get fresh perspectives and stay motivated in your practice.

• Days: Wednesday

• Dates: October 7, 21, November 4, 18, December 2, 16, 2026 

• Times: 2 - 4 p.m.

• Fee: $20 per session

  • Attend an Open Studio and apply the $20 registration fee towards any other BCA class registration! Contact Siri Hellerman (shellerman@bloomingtonmn.gov) for assistance. 

• Registration: Online at Webtrac

Creative Journaling

Journaling has never been more exciting — or more creative! From the anything-goes energy of Smash and Junk Journals to the on-location spontaneity of Urban Sketching, the expressive freedom of Visual Journaling, and beyond, there's never been more ways to put pen, paint, and personality to the page. 

Heidi Jeub has explored them all, and she's here to share what she's learned. In this class you'll discover the journaling style that speaks to you, pick up tips and techniques across a range of approaches and walk away inspired to fill your pages with color, texture and your own one-of-a-kind story. 

No experience necessary — just a love of creative exploration!

• Days: Wednesday
• Dates: January 6 - 27, 2027
• Times: 6 - 8 p.m.
• Fee: $150 per section (4 sessions)
• Registration: Online at Webtrac
• Supplies: Tuition includes three different journals/sketchbooks to explore throughout the course, plus access to a wide range of art supplies. 
  • On Day 1, bring an existing journal or sketchbook to share with the group — we'd love to see where your creative journey has already taken you! 
  • Starting with Session 2, participants are welcome to bring their own favorite supplies to incorporate. 

Register for any BCA Education offering and attend our Artist Open Studio for only $10! 
Contact Siri Hellerman, BCA Assistant Manager at shellerman@bloomingtonmn.gov for details. 

Have you ever found yourself nodding along in an art class while secretly wondering what "negative space," "value," or "compositional balance" actually means? If so, this is the class for you! 

Intro to Abstract(ish) Art is a fun, relaxed 4-week exploration of the elements and principles of design — learned not through lectures and note-taking, but through actually making art. As you experiment, play, and express yourself freely on the canvas, the language of art will start to click in a way that just makes sense.

Whether you're a total beginner or a self-taught artist looking to fill in some gaps, you'll walk away with a richer understanding of what makes art work — and a collection of pieces that are entirely, unapologetically your own.

• Days: Monday 

• Dates: February 1, 8, 22; March 1, 2027

• Times: 6 - 8 p.m. 

• Fee: $175 per participant (4 sessions)

• Registration: Online at Webtrac

• Supplies: Tuition covers some of the materials, but artists will be encouraged to purchase materials if they want something other than what is supplied. For instance, artist grade paint will be supplied, but with limited amounts. If a student wants to work bigger, they may want to purchase their own supplies to create at a larger scale. Suggestions will be provided at the first class.

Register for any BCA Education offering and attend our Artist Open Studio for only $10! 
Contact Siri Hellerman, BCA Assistant Manager at shellerman@bloomingtonmn.gov for details. 

Explore the vibrant world of pastel art in this hands-on 3-session workshop led by artist Charlene Ridlon. 

Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your skills, Charlene will guide you through the fundamentals of working with pastels — from color blending and layering techniques to creating depth and texture in your work. Each session builds on the last, giving you the time and guidance to develop your own unique style. Come ready to create, experiment, and leave with finished pieces you'll be proud of!

• Days: Monday
• Dates: October 19, 26; November 2, 2026
• Times: 6 - 8 p.m.
• Fee: $150 per participant (3 sessions) 
• Registration: Online at Webtrac

Register for any BCA Education offering and attend our Artist Open Studio for only $10! 
Contact Siri Hellerman, BCA Assistant Manager at shellerman@bloomingtonmn.gov for details. 

Bloomington Box Office Info

BUY TICKETS

Office Hours and Customer Service
Wednesday - Friday, 12 - 5 p.m. 

Questions? Contact Bloomington Box Office at:
boxoffice@bloomingtonmn.gov or 952-563-8545

Bloomington Box Office opens one hour prior to each performance for in-person sales and will call pickup.

Artistry Box Office Info

BUY TICKETS

Office Hours and Customer Service
Wednesday - Friday, 12 - 5 p.m. 

Questions? Contact Artistry at:
info@artistrymn.org or 952-563-8575. 

Artistry Box Office opens one hour prior to each performance for in-person sales & Will Call pickup

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

• An Afternoon at the Grand Ole Opry

  • Rita Docter Scholarship Fundraiser Concert and Silent Auction
  • Sunday, February 21, 2027
  • 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. shows
  • Tickets (coming soon)

For more information about Angelica Cantanti Youth Choirs, visit AngeliaCantanti.org or call 952-563-8572.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

• In the Heights

  • July 30 - August 23, 2026
  • Schneider Theater
  • Tickets

• Ball: A Musical Tribute to My Lost Testicle

  • September 10 - 27, 2026
  • Black Box Theater
  • Tickets

• You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown

  • October 1 - 25, 2026
  • Schneider Theater
  • Tickets

• Christmas with Cantus

  • December 14, 2026
  • Schneider Theater
  • Tickets 

• Billy Elliot: The Musical

  • January 13 - February 7, 2027
  • Schneider Theater
  • Tickets

For more information about Artistry, visit ArtistryMN.org or call 952-563-8575.

Discover Bloomington: Artistry Theater

Video URL: https://youtu.be/clr8kDXCx0M

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

• Gloria Borealis

  • December 18, 2026, 7 p.m.
  • December 19, 2026, 4 p.m.
  • Tickets 

For more information about the Bloomington Chorale, visit BloomingtonChorale.org or call 952-563-8582.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

• Midnight, Finland, and the Movies

  • Sunday, November 22, 2026, 2 p.m.
  • Schneider Theater
  • Tickets

For more information about the Bloomington Symphony Orchestra, visit BloomingtonSymphony.org or call 952-563-8573.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

• Annual Fundraiser

  • Beer & Ballet: Friday, October 9, 2026, 7 p.m.
  • Brunch with the Ballet: October 10, 2026, 11 a.m. (canceled)
    • Tickets

• The Nutcracker

• December 5, 12, 7:30 p.m.

• December 6, 12, 13, 3 p.m.

• December 11, 10 a.m.

  • Saturday, December 5, 2026, 7:30 p.m.
  • Sunday, December 6, 2026, 3 p.m.
  • Friday, December 11, 10 a.m.
  • Saturday, December 12, 2026, 3 p.m.
  • Saturday, December 12, 7:30 p.m.
  • Sunday, December 13, 2026, 3 p.m.
    • Tickets

For more information about Continental Ballet Company, visit ContinentalBallet.com or call 952-563-8562.

Discover Bloomington: Continental Ballet Company

Video URL: https://youtu.be/jtEjxLc1ftQ

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

• America 250 - Let Freedom Ring!

  • Saturday, November 8, 2026, 4 p.m.
  • Schneider Theater
  • Tickets

• Sounds of the Season

  • Sunday, December 20, 2026, 4 p.m.
  • Schneider Theater
  • Tickets

For more information about Medalist Concert Band, visit MedalistBand.com or call 952-563-8583.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

• Summer Road Trip

  • Saturday, May 30, 2026, 5 p.m.
  • Schneider Theater
  • Tickets

For more information about NOTEable Singers, visit NOTEableSingers.org or call 952-563-8582.

Resident Arts Organizations are independent,nonprofit groups that hold long-term lease agreements at Bloomington Center for the Arts. These organizations have partnered with the City of Bloomington over several years to provide a wealth of artistic experiences to the greater south-metro community. Bloomington Center for the Arts is owned and operated by the City, with its own staffing and governance independent of Resident organizations.  

Seasons & Gatherings invites audiences for an evening of contemporary and jazz dance inspired by timeless music, shared stories and the connections that bring us together. 

Featuring virtuosic, musically driven choreography set to reimagined classical compositions and beloved jazz standards, the performance journeys from quiet reflection to joyful celebration. With artistry, athleticism and heartfelt storytelling, Seasons & Gatherings offers an inviting experience that celebrates the power of music and movement connecting us all.

Schedule 

• Thursday, November 19, 2026: 7 p.m. 
• Friday, November 20, 2026: 12:30 p.m. 
• Friday, November 20, 2026: 7 p.m.

Tickets (all fees included)

• Adults: $32
• Seniors 60+: $27
• Students: $27
• Youth 6-12: $16

Buy Tickets