RiverCenter for the Performing Arts

Located in historic uptown Columbus, RiverCenter for the Performing Arts serves as the cultural cornerstone of the city's arts and entertainment district. Designed by Hardy Holzman Pfeiffer and Associates, it was funded through a mix of public and private efforts, including the Columbus Challenge, which raised over $100 million, a $17 million state appropriation, and a $25 million pledge from the Bradley-Turner Foundation. The 245,000-square-foot facility, managed by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, combines historical architecture with modern design, featuring a 120-foot tall structure with extensive use of glass, steel, and masonry. RiverCenter boasts state-of-the-art venues, including the 2,000-seat Bill Heard Theatre, home to the Columbus Symphony Orchestra, and known for hosting a wide range of performances from Broadway shows to classical concerts. Other facilities include Legacy Hall, with 430 seats known for its acoustics and the intimate Studio Theater. It also houses educational spaces for the Columbus State University Schwob School of Music. Since its opening in April 2002, RiverCenter has become a key venue for both local and international performers, fulfilling its mission to enrich the cultural life of the Columbus area. It supports local performing organizations like the Columbus Symphony Orchestra and the Columbus Ballet and engages in outreach through its ArtReach program. RiverCenter is a pivotal entity in promoting the social, economic, and civic vitality of the region, making it more than just a performing arts center.