The Gadsden Cultural Arts Foundation was founded in May 1984, in order to provide, maintain and operate a cultural arts facility for the citizens of the City of Gadsden, Etowah County and their surrounding communities. It was chartered in response to citizen initiatives, as an independent, non profit organization. The Cultural Arts Foundation is a positive reflection of the best interests of our city.
Our mission: The Gadsden Cultural Arts Foundation serves as a hub of community arts.
Our Vision: We enrich our lives, support artistic and cultural progress, affirm individual value and dignity, and promote a sense of well-being for all people.
Projects of the Gadsden Cultural Arts Foundation:
- Mary G. Hardin Center for Cultural Arts and its Exhibits
- Concerts, films and live audience events
- Imagination Place Children’s Museum and Outreach
- Etowah Youth Orchestras
- Downtown Dance Conservatory
- YouthALIVE!
- Coosa Valley Model Railroad
- Gadsden Community School for the Arts
Hours:
Monday – Thursday & Saturday: 10 am – 1 pm & 2 pm – 5 pm
Friday: 10 am – 1 pm
Closed Sunday
The last visitors are admitted 1 hour before closing.
The art exhibitions and the model railroad are closed on weekends.
We are closed from December 24, 2020 to January 3, 2021.
Admission:
Admission to view the art exhibitions and the model railroad is free. Admission for Imagination Place Children’s Museum is $8 for all-day access. Children up to 24 months are free. Free for Members*
Parents with a valid EBT card receive admission for up to 6 people (adults and children) for $2 per person.
The Hardin Center does not offer senior, student, or military discounts.
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.
Location:
501 Broad Street
Gadsden, AL 35901
(256) 543-2787
Our entrance and parking are located in the rear of the facility accessible from 5th Street.
Staff:
Tom Banks III – ext. 38
Executive Director
tombanks@culturalarts.org
Bryce Anderson – ext. 33
EYO Assistant Conductor
bryceanderson@culturalarts.org
Debbie Boos – ext. 34
EYO Assistant Conductor
debbieboos@culturalarts.org
Susie Collins – ext. 0
Receptionist / Ticket Sales
frontdesk@culturalarts.org
Gadsden Community School for the Arts – ext. 21
gsca@culturalarts.org
Michael R. Gagliardo – ext. 32
EYO Music Director & Conductor
mikegagliardo@culturalarts.org
Heather Maise – ext. 22
Imagination Place Educator
heathermaise@culturalarts.org
Linze McRae – ext. 41
Director of Dance Studies
downtowndanceconservatory@yahoo.com
Dena Thurmond – ext. 29
Office Manager / Bookkeeper
dthurmond@culturalarts.org
Bobby Welch – ext. 26
Planned and Major Gifts
bobwelch@culturalarts.org