What do these impressive cultural experiences all have in common?......a magnificently restored Beaux-Arts theatre listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the oldest-established continuously performing community orchestra in America, one of the sites of the nation’s longest-running museum system, and a cultural arts organization that is celebrating the imaginative spirit which is a blossoming part of the destination’s experience.
They are all located within Altoona, Blair County, PA. You need to Explore Altoona’s vibrant performing and visual arts and cultural experiences!
Altoona Symphony Orchestra
As the oldest established continuously performing community orchestra in America, the Altoona
Symphony, founded in 1928, remains true to its community roots as well as to its community and educational outreach. The Symphony has gained recognition for its musical diversity by performing both classical and popular works featuring local artists and nationally acclaimed
musicians. Having titled its current season, “New Beginnings: The Music Returns,” the purpose is to mark society’s emergence from all of those limiting conditions that have been so challenging for everyone.
Historic Mishler Theatre
Experience the breathtaking interior of the Mishler Theatre, opened in 1906, which has been
continuously restored since the 1960s. A regular stop on the Vaudeville circuit, the likes of
iconic performers such as W.C. Fields, Harry Houdini, and Al Jolson have performed here. More
recently, this ornate venue is host to frequent theatrical, musical, and dance productions by regional, national, and international performers and performing organizations, including the Altoona Symphony Orchestra which is the longest continuously performing community orchestra in the United States! Examples of the Mishler’s slate of performances throughout 2021 into 2022 range from the Altoona Community Theatre’s productions of the “Miracle on 34th Street” and “The Great Gatsby,” to numerous Altoona Symphony concerts, a renowned children’s production series, and so much more.
Explore the Arts in Altoona!
Come stay the night and see all that Altoona Arts has to offer! There's something for everyone.
Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art
The Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art provides over 7,500 works of American art with the nation’s longest-running museum system. The five museum facilities display everchanging exhibitions and host spectacular special events as well as award-winning educational and special interest programs. At SAMA, you can see works by internationally known artists like Andy Warhol as well as discuss fine art with local aspiring artists and legends from the local community. The Altoona museum features three unique galleries housed in beautifully upgraded space formerly occupied by a local department store.
Arts Altoona
ArtsAltoona’s mission is to connect people with the arts to strengthen our communities. The ArtsAltoona Center offers three unique performance spaces. The Sanctuary is the area's first listening room, where beautiful acoustics connect audiences and performers of all genres in the gorgeous setting of a former church facility. The Blank Canvas space offers a wide variety of art related events - artist galleries, paint parties, band showcases, and culinary activities. The Grotto has a jazz club environment and will offer cabarets, small theatre productions, and a variety of musical performances. Check ArtsAltoona’s calendar website for more information on what is happening at the Center and in the community calendar at artsaltoona.org
Altoona Community Theatre
Well known for its quality productions, the Altoona Community Theatre has taken top honors at state and regional theatre festivals and has received national exposure as the featured theatre in Stage Directions, a community theatre trade magazine. This active and creative community group consists of more than 200 volunteers who donate their time and talents; they collaboratively produce four mainstage productions annually with four performances each. This performance year’s productions include, “Deathtrap,” “Miracle on 34th Street,” “The Great Gatsby,” and “The Addams Family.”
Come Visit and Stay in Altoona, PA!
With many newer and several award-winning hotels, Altoona offers a multitude of lodging choices.
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Marketing Greater Blair County as a Premier Visitor Destination, Offering a Positive Experience and Fostering Economic Development.
