On the corner of Fifth and Broad in historic downtown Gadsden sits an unusual building. Its triangular shape and enormous cylinder have come to stand for the educational opportunities and endless entertainment the arts bring to a community. The Hardin Center for Cultural Arts, under the direction of the Gadsden Cultural Arts Foundation, opened in 1990, and today more than 100,000 people visit the exhibits, performances and functions held at the Center each year.

The Hardin Center is home to Three galleries that feature a wide range of changing national and local exhibits. Centerstage Presents sponsors dinner theaters, courtyard concerts, chamber music and more. Imagination Place Children’s Museum located adjacent to the Hardin Center for Cultural Arts in the historic Kyle Building. IPCM reaches thousands of children through museum visits and educational outreach. The Gadsden Community School for the Arts which offers instruction in ballet, lyrical jazz dance, strings, woodwind, brass, voice and more. The nationally celebrated Etowah Youth Orchestras featuring 300 talented young musicians.

Hours: Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Imagination Place closes at 5 p.m. daily. Exhibition halls remain open until 8 pm each evening except Wednesdays and Sundays. Admission: $6 Adults, $5 Children 3-12, Free for Children 2 & Under, Free for Members The Hardin Center does not offer senior, student, military, or any other discounts.

Please contact the Hardin Center for more information. The Hardin Center reciprocates through the ASTC Passport Program. Free admission is granted to Imagination Place Children’s Museum and discounts are usually offered for other exhibitions. Some restrictions and exclusions apply; please call ahead to inquire about current discounts.

The Hardin Center and Imagination Place are closed most national holidays. Imagination Place is closed the first Monday of every month for cleaning and repairs. Location: 501 Broad Street Gadsden, AL 35901 Phone: 256.543.2787 Fax: 256.546.7435