Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts

The Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts (BCPA), originally known as Bloomington's Scottish Rite Temple, is a historic venue that has served as a cornerstone of the artistic and social life in Bloomington-Normal, Illinois. Established in 1921, the center was initially built to house the American Passion Play and quickly became a hub for cultural and community events. With its elegant lobby and a grand five-arched façade, the BCPA featured a ballroom with a seating capacity for 1,000 diners and a theater that could accommodate 1,320 guests. At the time of its construction, the theater boasted the largest stage west of New York City. For the first sixty years of its existence, the BCPA, also known as The Consistory, hosted a variety of significant events. It was the primary venue for performances by the Bloomington Symphony and the Scottish Rite Players, as well as for shows by internationally acclaimed artists such as Duke Ellington, Pablo Casals, Beverly Sills, and the Boston Pops Orchestra. The venue was also a popular location for weddings, receptions, exhibits, and conventions. It remained Bloomington-Normal's primary civic theater until the opening of the Braden Auditorium at Illinois State University in 1973. In the year 2000, recognizing the importance of the BCPA to the community, the City of Bloomington formed the Bloomington Cultural District and took ownership of the Consistory and surrounding properties to oversee its restoration. A civic committee was established with a vision to restore the Temple and to expand the city's arts resources, thereby revitalizing the north side of downtown Bloomington. A 14-member Cultural District Commission was appointed by the mayor to guide this initiative. The BCPA underwent a rebranding and a refocusing of its mission as the primary anchor of the Cultural District, with an emphasis on performing and visual arts as well as arts education. The plans included a 3.5 million dollar renovation as part of a larger 15 million dollar project aimed at enhancing the facility. To fund the project, the City Council approved a ¼-cent sales tax increase in 2001 and later authorized the extension of this sales tax support through 2025. This financial strategy also included the issuance of 20-year bonds to finance the expansion and renovation. Today, the BCPA stands as a testament to the city's commitment to the arts, offering a diverse array of programming to cater to various audience demographics. The center presents both national and international touring artists and is a bustling venue that hosts over 500 events annually, including classes, meetings, seminars, presentations, and life events. The BCPA continues to be a vital contributor to the quality of life in the Bloomington community, fostering an environment where all forms of artistic expression are appreciated and encouraged.