Tempe Center for the Arts
Modern art center by Tempe Town Lake, offering diverse performing arts, gallery exhibits, and scenic views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds for exhibits
Tempe Center for the Arts
Best Time
Fewer crowds for exhibits
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Modern art center by Tempe Town Lake, offering diverse performing arts, gallery exhibits, and scenic views.
"It is beautiful! The scenic town lake is lovely, and the bar and gallery are a great way to pass time before your show begins."
🎯 Book Seats Wisely
Avoid front-row seats for plays; consider the 3rd row back for optimal viewing.
✨ Explore the Gallery
Don't miss the current exhibits, even the surprisingly artistic restrooms!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Gallery Exhibits
Main Gallery
Explore diverse and often interactive art installations, including unique restroom designs.
Live Performances
Venues within the center
Experience a wide range of theater, dance, and music from local and touring artists.
Tempe Town Lake Views
Exterior and surrounding areas
Enjoy scenic waterfront vistas, especially beautiful during sunset, with public art nearby.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Experience
Securing Your Tickets and Seats
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Seats Wisely
Avoid front-row seats for plays; consider the 3rd row back for optimal viewing.
✨ Explore the Gallery
Don't miss the current exhibits, even the surprisingly artistic restrooms!
🎶 Check for Free Events
Enjoy free concerts and festivals like El Puente Fest for family fun.
☕ Relax Before the Show
The bar and gallery area are great for passing time before performances.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Seats Wisely
Avoid front-row seats for plays; consider the 3rd row back for optimal viewing.
✨ Explore the Gallery
Don't miss the current exhibits, even the surprisingly artistic restrooms!
🎶 Check for Free Events
Enjoy free concerts and festivals like El Puente Fest for family fun.
☕ Relax Before the Show
The bar and gallery area are great for passing time before performances.
📸 Photoshoot Spot
Nearby Marina Heights offers unique art installations perfect for photos.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Tempe Center for the Arts for its beautiful modern architecture, diverse range of performances, and engaging gallery exhibits. The scenic location by Tempe Town Lake and the availability of free events are also significant draws. However, some attendees have found front-row seating in the theater to be less than ideal for viewing stage productions.
"Went to see my first play here. The venue was absolutely beautiful and the theater was just the right size.
We ended up with front row seats and I personally wouldn't recommend it! I spent the entire play with my neck on fire and I couldn't see the folks on the back of the stage.
If I were to go again, I would be no closer than the 3rd row back."
Jen Owen
"Go see their current Gallery exhibition The Return of the Force there thru May 18. Excellent exhibit - the art & the inclusion of the space as part of the exhibit. Be sure to check out the restrooms - just, wow."
Tara Holstay
"I am an actor, and I have worked in the theater there a couple of times, ( I was just there as an understudy last night) and I have been there as an audience member as well. It is beautiful! The scenic town lake is lovely, and the bar and gallery are a great way to pass time before your show begins. Backstage is wonderful. They are a pro establishment, it's pristine, there are several bathrooms, and the dressing rooms are spacious and include a bathroom with 2 stalls, 2 sinks, and a shower. There is a small lounge area, and the stage, lighting, and sound setups are fantastic. I feel very at ease there. There are 2 theatres within the center for live stage performances. One is large, and the other is about mid-size and provides a more intimate theatre experience. I love it there."
Erin Benites
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Tempe Center for the Arts is located near Tempe Town Lake. It's accessible by car, with parking available. Public transportation options, including bus routes, also serve the area. For specific directions, check the official website or use a navigation app.
Yes, parking is generally available at or near the Tempe Center for the Arts. It's advisable to check the venue's website for the most current parking information, including any fees or specific lots.
The center is situated by Tempe Town Lake, making it accessible for pedestrians and cyclists. There are often bike racks available. Enjoy the scenic route along the lake!
Several Valley Metro bus routes stop near the Tempe Center for the Arts. You can check the Valley Metro website for routes and schedules that best suit your travel plans.
Yes, the Tempe Center for the Arts is conveniently located near downtown Tempe, making it a short trip for those exploring the area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets can typically be purchased online through the Tempe Center for the Arts official website, via phone, or at the box office. For specific events, check the event listing for direct ticketing links. 
Yes, ticket prices vary depending on the performance, seating location, and any available discounts for seniors, students, or military personnel. Group rates may also be offered.
While some tickets may be available at the door, it's highly recommended to purchase them in advance, especially for popular shows, to guarantee your spot.
Yes, the center often hosts free events, such as concerts and festivals like El Puente Fest, and usually offers a free gallery exhibit. Check the calendar for upcoming free activities.
Refund and exchange policies can vary by event. It's best to review the specific terms and conditions at the time of purchase or contact the box office directly for assistance.
🎫 🎭 Onsite Experience
The Tempe Center for the Arts hosts a diverse range of performances, including theater productions, dance festivals, concerts featuring various genres, and community chorus performances.
The gallery is typically open during regular hours, but it's wise to check the official website for current exhibition dates and operating hours, as these can change.
The center has multiple theaters, including a larger one and a mid-size venue for more intimate experiences. Seating arrangements vary, and it's recommended to consult the seating chart when purchasing tickets.
Yes, there is a bar area where you can enjoy refreshments before a show, and the gallery is a great place to spend time.
Absolutely! With beautiful lake views, art exhibits, and diverse performances, it's a fantastic spot for a date night.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary by event and exhibition. Generally, photography is allowed in public areas and for many gallery exhibits, but flash photography and recording of performances are usually prohibited. Always check signage or ask staff.
Yes, the area around Tempe Town Lake offers beautiful scenery, especially at sunset. Nearby Marina Heights also features interesting art installations perfect for photoshoots.
The gallery features a variety of art, often with rotating exhibitions. Visitors have praised the creativity and unique integration of the space into the exhibits.
The art installations at Marina Heights, mentioned in TikToks, are highlighted as particularly photogenic. The unique design of the restrooms within the center has also been noted.
The area around Tempe Town Lake is particularly scenic during sunset, offering beautiful lighting for photographs.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The proximity to Tempe Town Lake also provides opportunities for outdoor activities before or after visiting the center. While performances might vary in suitability for very young children, the gallery exhibits and free community events offer engaging experiences for all ages. 💰 Budget Travelers
+1 The gallery exhibits are also often free to explore, offering a dose of culture without spending a dime. +1🎨 Art Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Art and Galleries
Beyond the main gallery, the surrounding area offers additional artistic points of interest. TikTok creators have highlighted nearby Marina Heights as a prime location for photoshoots, featuring 'trippy' and visually engaging art installations.
A Stage for Diverse Performances
+1 Visitors have lauded the professional establishment, noting the fantastic stage, lighting, and sound setups that contribute to a high-quality viewing experience. The center actively supports local talent, hosting events like the Arizona Dance Festival and performances by the Tempe Community Chorus.
+1 It also embraces diverse cultural expressions, with events like 'Mi casa es tu casa' and El Puente Fest celebrating different communities through storytelling, music, and dance. +1 This commitment to a broad spectrum of performing arts makes the TCA a cornerstone of the local arts scene, offering something for nearly every taste.Community and Accessibility
+1 Events like El Puente Fest are specifically designed as family-friendly affairs, featuring music, dance, theater, and crafts, ensuring an engaging experience for all ages. This focus on inclusivity and community engagement is a significant draw for locals and visitors alike.For performers and those working behind the scenes, the TCA is described as a professional and comfortable environment. The backstage areas are noted as spacious and well-equipped, including dressing rooms with private bathrooms and showers, contributing to a positive working atmosphere.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit