The mission of the Johnson Hall Performing Arts Center is to enrich people’s lives in the Southern Kennebec Valley and beyond by offering creative, educational, and performing arts programs; preserving an historic building; providing a community gathering-place; and serving as a catalyst for cultural and economic growth
Johnson Hall Performing Arts Center is a nonprofit organization, IRS 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt, presenting a wide range of programs in historic Johnson Hall Opera House in downtown Gardiner, Maine. Johnson Hall is a wonderful historic theater built in 1864 on Water Street in downtown Gardiner. It presented live shows, entertainment and movies until 1959, and then was mostly closed for 30 years.
The first floor has now been renovated into an accessible110-seat performance space, where Johnson Hall presents arts programs for all ages, all year round– live professional music, theater and dance performances; theater and art camps for children; teen band shows; and workshops and classes for children and adults. It also collaborates with the Boys & Girls Club and the local schools to bring arts and theater programs to children; works with community organizations to present a summer festival; and provides space for community classes, groups, rehearsals, and meetings. Johnson Hall’s upper floors await restoration, and the community is engaged in a planning process to return the Hall to its full glory—a 360-seat theater and conference center, which will provide cultural enrichment and boost the regional economy.
Staff conduct tours of the building during regular hours (M-F, 10-5:30). The 2011 season sponsor is The Bank of Maine. Johnson Hall Performing Arts Center welcomes you to explore our web site, to learn more about our building and our programs.
Johnson Hall is grateful for our members, sponsors, and donors. See the link below for membership info and benefits—and please join us!
For more information, call 582-7144
Johnson Hall, 280 Water St., (Mailing:) P.O. Box 777, Gardiner, ME 04345
Office hours are Monday – Friday, 10 am to 5:30 pm
Box Office Hours: M-F, 1-5 pm; and 1 1/2 hours before shows