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Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center
2410 Wickham Ave, Newport News, VA 23607, United States
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Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center

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Ch
Review №1

Stunning venue! Great performances and staff!

W.
Review №2

Great cultural experience...August Wilson would be proud of the readings of his plays. Very talented participants. There voices put me right there and props were not needed.

N
Review №3

Great beautiful and comfortable place for art. The security guard was awesome! Thanks for being so welcoming to us!

MJ
Review №4

Affordable rental prices and great service. Me and my husband had our wedding here in 2016 and it was beautiful.

Ka
Review №5

Love this building. It has several uses - daily business, art exhibits, music and arts activities and more. This particular visit, I attended a Paint & Sip Tea Party. Had a fun time! These type of parties occur about 3-4 times the first half of the year and hosts a guest artist. Luckily, I attended this one - its the last of the year! Other uses for this spot include job fairs, baby showeres, training classes, luncheons, etc. Great space!

Ki
Review №6

I Just finished viewing the very powerful and entertaining show For Colored Girls and it was Absolute must see!! I must say that I have attended a few productions at the Ella Fitzgerald Theatre in the Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center and it has all been a delightful experience! From pricing to the high quality performances.. Just a wonderfully delightful experience.

As
Review №7

We. ame here to see the Dreamgirls play. This cultural center is a true gem in Hampton Roads and a great asset to our community! Clean and beautifully designed!

Ju
Review №8

There are beautiful paintings, educational information, as well as a place to go for peace.

Jo
Review №9

Artwork of Chris Hakanson and the man himself!

Je
Review №10

Arts and plays. Learning center for children as well as adults. Great history programs

Th
Review №11

Ive been to a few concerts there since moving to the Peninsula and its a perfect small venue. Not a bad seat in the house. Tonight I went for an African dance class. Will definitely be returning for next weeks class. I just signed up for emails so that I can take advantage of all this gem in the hood has to offer. Places like this make me love the Peninsula more and more with each passing year.

Ki
Review №12

So me and my boyfriend had been going threw it on this day in the early morning. We could not agree, talk, or even look at each other without feeling a way. He decided that we needed to do something that made him at ease. He took me here. They gave us a tour of the building then let us (me, since it was my first time in) explore on our own. They have a conference room they can be rented, nice size for a small meeting. Then there is like a banquet room with a kitchen close by. This room also has drop down screens if you want to show a special something while everyone is eating. There is also a theatre room or auditorium in case you want to do a showcase. All the rooms can be rented out. They also have like a museum of art done be children. Middle schoolers and high schoolers have done some amazing work. This room was my favorite. I didnt get to see the whole building we had another stop to make but this did calm the fire that was raging a bit. I have heard that the dance class held there is very well for those who have children that dance and they also hold different type of events all the time.

Ja
Review №13

We have a nice time every time we go for an event. This was our first year attending the holiday event. It was a Nightmare before Christmas and Frozen theme. There was something different on each floor. The kids had a great time.

St
Review №14

We participated in the SKILLS Talent Show 2018 and won! We were invited back in 2019 as two of the judges. There are two beautiful grand pianos available for the stage and Cindy Johnson is kind, helpful and accommodating. Thank you!

th
Review №15

Had my daughters birthday party there last night and it was wonderful! Thanks Downing-Gross

Ge
Review №16

Excellent place. This place is a Gem. I volunteer often. Great plays, concerts Art shows. If you havent been inside, you should soon.

Da
Review №17

What an experience being in this place! The atmosphere is full of love, promise, and togetherness. A wonderful place for all ages in the community to share common interests and build with each other. Also, a great place to find postings of information for everything from furthering your education to upcoming projects, and most, if not all community need-to-knows.

Ar
Review №18

High class facility! Its nice to have such a beautiful theater for the arts right here in newport news. Everything about my experiences there have been wonderful. Most recently I visited to see dream girls and it was a sold out show. Even with a full auditorium there was ample parking in a neighboring lot and the foyer areas didnt feel overly cramped. I recommend this as a venue to any arts program as well as a place to consider for birthday parties or other celebrations.

De
Review №19

Its fantastic! Its so nice to be around other artist. Their energy knowledge and spirit is uplifting. If this program is offered again I will definitely want to be a part of it.

Te
Review №20

This establishment was more than I expected. Its very agricultural. Clean environment. People are so kind courteous generous. Help in every care to ones needs. Stop in there are Tuesday movies for the children at 2:00 pm . Free pop corn. Setting of the theater so comfortable . Please stop in an enjoy a good movie for the kids and the best of it all its FREE yes FREE COME JOIN US.

We
Review №21

Beautiful facility

Ke
Review №22

A must visit if youre local or out of town. The plays are fun for the entire family.

Ke
Review №23

Lovely evening, venue and decor. The youth activies were very nice..really nice, highly recommend!!!

p
Review №24

Event was beautifully set up, Staff was very helpful and kind, my daughter and grandbaby had a wonderful time.

We
Review №25

What a great facility. Employees, including security guards, are always friendly and helpful.

fr
Review №26

Very nice place to hold events. Beautiful building. Reasonable price.

A
Review №27

Attended a memorial celebration for a dear family member of ours...the entire staff was very cordial and hospitable. The entire building housing historical memorabilia of famous African- Americans both past and present is a sight to behold!

Ja
Review №28

Amazing play!!!

Er
Review №29

This was a great evening, Regina Belle was absolutely excellent. The facility is very very very nice. I will go there again and again!

Fl
Review №30

I Love that they promote Creativity among our youth within the community! Thank you!

Me
Review №31

Good

pe
Review №32

I really enjoyed the show it was my first time to attend program. And enjoyed every minute of it and Ill try to make to another event

Wh
Review №33

Great place full or culture and art also has yoga classes

D
Review №34

An important part of who We are ! Improving Our lives .

La
Review №35

The programs that Ive attended and Ive attended quite a few where coordinated and perfectly planned.. it is and I hope it remains a diamond in the East End Community

Sh
Review №36

The Best and Ive had the Opportunity to Share my Poetry.

Ja
Review №37

Took my daughter to see a movie for the summer. Great place to visit.

Ni
Review №38

The venue...! Modern, super clean, perfect combination of newness that wont forget the old, its history. I didnt expect the art exhibits or the NN Loves Ella sign in the parking lot. This place has a great feel to it.

VI
Review №39

Awesome Family Meeting! Beautiful Facility. I hope to see more of it!

Mr
Review №40

This place has great events and a nice artsy environment

Ev
Review №41

Love the way I am greeted its warm and friendly a loving place to be I would recommend it to everyone they does an awesome job I thank you and appreciate you all for all the good deeds that you do

Ha
Review №42

Nice place for nice inexpensive concerts a d plays. Corrin Morgan was a great help upon my arrival

Ca
Review №43

A wonderful place to meet,attend shows, plays and meet new people.

Da
Review №44

Great place to go and view local artists, see a show or take a class.

Di
Review №45

Always have Great experiences whenever I attend an event from plays to concerts.

Dw
Review №46

Wonderful community venue where every seat is a GREAT SEAT! I saw DreamGirls here recently and it was an awesome performance!

De
Review №47

Saw a special performance by Dramatically Able II which was awesome!

Cy
Review №48

Beautiful establishments! Friendly workers, Dreamgirls, produced by Dana Howard, Best Play ever, much fun and atmosphere awesome

Pr
Review №49

Crown jewel of the area. Beautifully designed and excellent events.

Te
Review №50

Attended a meeting. Very good setting.

Ju
Review №51

This is a very nice venue for a concert and an asset to East End NN. The night time lighting is excellent, parking is not bad, and the events I have attended have what appears to be adequate security. However, the facility seems under utilized. Advertisement of the events is limited. I have attempted to register for email notification/ subscribed for event updates but have never received anything.

Ni
Review №52

KEVONSTAGE was awesome. The facility was beautiful and despite my reservations about being downtown NN, it was safe and just an overall pleasant experience

Ko
Review №53

The Art Center is very clean. There is an over-flow parking lot. The play DREAM GIRLS was Amazimg, awesome cast!!!

P
Review №54

Extremely nice building! Great events held here!

Tr
Review №55

Nina Brewtons open mic on the second Tuesday of every month keeps my creativity flowing.

Li
Review №56

Wonderful Go Red For Women event today at the center!

Ch
Review №57

It was organized and funny but especially, interesting to see popular people

Tr
Review №58

Great art displays and also concerts and live plays.

Tr
Review №59

Awesome concert jennifer hoilday. Beautiful person and singer.

Jo
Review №60

Cool place for community events, art and entertainment.

Ju
Review №61

The play GreamGirls was phenomenal. The venue was state of the art

Be
Review №62

We enjoyed ourselves, Mr. Hubbard produced a very moving, comical production, very enjoyable.....m

Sh
Review №63

Have great classes for kids (free) Drumming. Photography, and Art.

J
Review №64

Great place to hold an event. Staff was nice and place was clean

M
Review №65

I enjoyed Regina Belle and the facility has a nice intimate atmosphere

Pe
Review №66

The best kept secret in town. Check then out!!

Di
Review №67

Been to several shows here. Great facilities and stage shows

Ra
Review №68

Good Venue to visit for Upcoming Events. Willy Wonka production coming soon, from what I heard. KOOL.

Ch
Review №69

I attended an event and it was well set up, spacious & clean.

Ke
Review №70

Gem of local culture truly helping local artists and by so, inspiring the community.

Ke
Review №71

Very nice place Ive been in there a couple of times the people have been very helpful

Ke
Review №72

A great place for venues and programs

Al
Review №73

Got my taxes done -good support

Ga
Review №74

Pretty decent place doing taxes for free

Me
Review №75

Always a good place to visit. Plus theyve been good to me and my fellow classmates at laughter as medicine Productions.

Ur
Review №76

I enjoyed viewing the painting from the talented children and the artist, AJ

Ro
Review №77

This a top notch venue, with excellent accommodations, acoustics, and parking!

Ed
Review №78

Mosaic Steel Drum, great for children.

Am
Review №79

Great music and art, friendly staff

Ma
Review №80

We love this place. Very cultural!

Ta
Review №81

A cultural arts center worth visiting!

Ke
Review №82

Nice facility in a challenging part of town

Le
Review №83

The place was very clean and the staff was very professional

Au
Review №84

Outstanding facility, I will visit again

Be
Review №85

Special events, Fun &Games, Formal dress codes

pa
Review №86

Great place for cultural events

Ri
Review №87

I like this place is because it is in the part of Newport news that nobody likes to go to at night time, except for getting a free lunch or dinner and thats for sure though yall, you know!

Jo
Review №88

Great place to visit and a cultural icon.

Ea
Review №89

This was supposed to be a school setting for a training program through HRCAP and unfortunately for the class, there were no computers.

Ev
Review №90

I saw Dreamgirls there on and enjoyed it

Th
Review №91

A true jewel in the heart of downtown Newport News.

Sa
Review №92

Great place very nice atmosphere

La
Review №93

A hidden gem. Its small but they have plenty of events.

Ka
Review №94

Community. Mrs. Downing ( as I knew her name when I worked with her), her passion and love of this community continues

Ce
Review №95

Excellent place to visit!

La
Review №96

A place of cultural, learning, and relaxation.

Wa
Review №97

This is the place for excellent plays.

Ri
Review №98

Clean and nicely set up

Ch
Review №99

Great community and cultural center

Ro
Review №100

Fantastic community resource

Information
100 Photos
100 Comments
4.7 Rating
  • Address:2410 Wickham Ave, Newport News, VA 23607, United States
  • Site:http://downinggross.org/
  • Phone:+1 757-247-8950
Categories
  • Cultural center
  • Art center
  • Art gallery
  • Arts organization
  • Concert hall
  • Event venue
  • Historical landmark
  • Performing arts theater
  • Wedding venue
Working hours
  • Monday:Closed
  • Tuesday:Closed
  • Wednesday:9am–5pm
  • Thursday:9am–5pm
  • Friday:9am–5pm
  • Saturday:9am–5pm
  • Sunday:9am–5pm
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair-accessible car park:Yes
  • Wheelchair-accessible entrance:Yes
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