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Syracuse, New York

Syracuse Arts: Art Scene in Syracuse

Discounts
  • Red House Arts Center—Membership to this arts venue (which hosts theatrical productions, concerts, and other arts events) gets you discounted tickets and more

Rated by Forbes magazine as one of the top 10 places to raise a family, Syracuse is a university town that has a great appreciation for both education and the arts. Jazz festivals, classical music ensembles, numerous galleries and museums (including a mask and puppet museum!), theaters, and both opera and ballet companies are among the artsy offerings here. With so much cultural entertainment on hand, it’s no wonder that this city has spawned the likes of songwriter Jimmy Van Heusen, Broadway impresarios the Shubert brothers, and actor Tom Cruise.

Syracuse Arts Information

  • CNY Arts and Theater—Features and reviews covering Fine Art, Dance, Theater, and Performing Arts
  • Syrahoo.com—This Syracuse web directory provides arts and entertainment-related links
  • Downtown Syracuse—Events calendar and information on arts & culture downtown
  • Cultural Resources Council—News, information, and resources concerning the arts and cultural life of Syracuse

Art Museums

Everson Museum of Art

Founded in 1897 as the Syracuse Museum of Fine Art by Metropolitan Museum co-founder George Comfort Fisk, the Everson has been at the center of the Syracuse art scene since it opened in 1900. Eleven years later, it became the first museum in the world dedicated solely to the pursuit and collection of American art. Its permanent collection now contains some 11,000 works that span …more…

Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute Museum of Art (Utica, NY)

The Munson-Williams-Proctor Institute was founded by three generations of one prominent Utica family; its Museum of Art had its genesis as that family’s private collection, which was renowned for its depth and expanse while it was still in private hands. The collection was initially held in the family house, Fountain Elms, until rapid postwar acquisition and expansion led to the construction of a new building, designed by Philip Johnson, which …more…

Syracuse University Art Galleries (Syracuse, NY)

Wrapped as they are in a fairly generic name, and ensconced in a chilly northern town, it’s easy to overlook the Syracuse University Art Galleries. Art aficionados do so at their peril, however, as Syracuse University has quietly built itself a substantial permanent collection. Founded in 1874 – making it one of the oldest university collections in the United States – the SUArt Galleries collection numbers some 45,000 pieces; its current focus is on 20th century American art, specifically works on paper, and notable holdings include photography by Berenice Abbott and Philippe Halsman, wood engravings by Winslow Homer and prints by Jan Gelb. ...more...

Theater

Syracuse Stage

Syracuse Stage Information

Public Transportation: Very Good (easily accessible from Centro buses 62, 68, 76, 162, 168, 176, 262, and 430 at Genesee Street/Irving Avenue)
Handicapped Accessibility: Good
Performances/Programs: 6 plays per season with multiple performances of each
Ticket Prices: $25–$60 with prices varying by date and seat selection. Students and groups receive discounted tickets
Subscriptions: $108–$273 depending on date and seat selection. Flex options …more…

Classical Music

Syracuse Vocal Ensemble

Beginning in 1973, this chamber choir has presented both a cappella and accompanied works, comprising a repertoire that includes William Byrd, Heinrich Schütz, W.A. Mozart, Morten Lauridsen, Dave Brubeck, and P.D.Q. Bach. Syracuse Vocal Ensemble maintains collaborative relationships with other vital organizations from the region such as the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra, the Skaneateles Festival, Society for New Music, the Syracuse Chorale, and Open Hand …more…

Opera

Syracuse Opera

Syracuse Opera Information

Public Transportation: Excellent (the free Connective Corridor Shuttle has a stop at the Mulroy Civic Center. Also a short walk from Centro buses 138 and 236 at Jefferson Street/State Street; and a 4-minute walk from buses 40, 42, 62, 64, 66, and 76 at Fayette Street/Montgomery Street)
Handicapped Accessibility: Good (wheelchair seating in Orchestra Row X)
Performances/Programs: Three per season …more…

Jazz

Jazz Central

Unique to Central New York, Jazz Central is the home base for CNY Jazz and also the venue for a variety of concerts and events throughout the year in their 90-seat theater. Since it’s opening, Jazz Central has become a regional cultural hub, hosting all forms of educational and cabaret events, as well as lectures, jam sessions and lectures in support of jazz and other mediums. The facility also hosts …more…

Northeast Jazz & Wine Festival

The Northeast Jazz & Wine Festival is a fun and exciting event combining a love of great jazz with a love of fine wine. (Never a bad combination!) For two days at the end of July, downtown Syracuse is overrun with world-class jazz performances, student performances, jam sessions, late night club dates and more. The Northeast Jazz & Wine Fest began in 2008 by adding a wine dimension to the …more…

Dance

Syracuse City Ballet

Founded in 1997 by current Artistic Director Kathleen Rathbun and some local volunteers, SCB is the only professional ballet company in the central New York area. The company combines the talents of professional, pre-professional, and student dancers in performances of classical ballets, and also frequently adds nationally and internationally known guest artists to its performances, thus affording local dancers and audiences the opportunity to see and work with established …more…

Art Museums

Everson Museum of Art

Founded in 1897 as the Syracuse Museum of Fine Art by Metropolitan Museum co-founder George Comfort Fisk, the Everson has been at the center of the Syracuse art scene since it opened in 1900. Eleven years later, it became the first museum in the world dedicated solely to the pursuit and collection of American art. Its permanent collection now contains some 11,000 works that span …more…

Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute Museum of Art (Utica, NY)

The Munson-Williams-Proctor Institute was founded by three generations of one prominent Utica family; its Museum of Art had its genesis as that family’s private collection, which was renowned for its depth and expanse while it was still in private hands. The collection was initially held in the family house, Fountain Elms, until rapid postwar acquisition and expansion led to the construction of a new building, designed by Philip Johnson, which …more…

Syracuse University Art Galleries (Syracuse, NY)

Wrapped as they are in a fairly generic name, and ensconced in a chilly northern town, it’s easy to overlook the Syracuse University Art Galleries. Art aficionados do so at their peril, however, as Syracuse University has quietly built itself a substantial permanent collection. Founded in 1874 – making it one of the oldest university collections in the United States – the SUArt Galleries collection numbers some 45,000 pieces; its current focus is on 20th century American art, specifically works on paper, and notable holdings include photography by Berenice Abbott and Philippe Halsman, wood engravings by Winslow Homer and prints by Jan Gelb. ...more...

Theater

Syracuse Stage

Syracuse Stage Information

Public Transportation: Very Good (easily accessible from Centro buses 62, 68, 76, 162, 168, 176, 262, and 430 at Genesee Street/Irving Avenue)
Handicapped Accessibility: Good
Performances/Programs: 6 plays per season with multiple performances of each
Ticket Prices: $25–$60 with prices varying by date and seat selection. Students and groups receive discounted tickets
Subscriptions: $108–$273 depending on date and seat selection. Flex options …more…

Classical Music

Syracuse Vocal Ensemble

Beginning in 1973, this chamber choir has presented both a cappella and accompanied works, comprising a repertoire that includes William Byrd, Heinrich Schütz, W.A. Mozart, Morten Lauridsen, Dave Brubeck, and P.D.Q. Bach. Syracuse Vocal Ensemble maintains collaborative relationships with other vital organizations from the region such as the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra, the Skaneateles Festival, Society for New Music, the Syracuse Chorale, and Open Hand …more…

Opera

Syracuse Opera

Syracuse Opera Information

Public Transportation: Excellent (the free Connective Corridor Shuttle has a stop at the Mulroy Civic Center. Also a short walk from Centro buses 138 and 236 at Jefferson Street/State Street; and a 4-minute walk from buses 40, 42, 62, 64, 66, and 76 at Fayette Street/Montgomery Street)
Handicapped Accessibility: Good (wheelchair seating in Orchestra Row X)
Performances/Programs: Three per season …more…

Jazz

Jazz Central

Unique to Central New York, Jazz Central is the home base for CNY Jazz and also the venue for a variety of concerts and events throughout the year in their 90-seat theater. Since it’s opening, Jazz Central has become a regional cultural hub, hosting all forms of educational and cabaret events, as well as lectures, jam sessions and lectures in support of jazz and other mediums. The facility also hosts …more…

Northeast Jazz & Wine Festival

The Northeast Jazz & Wine Festival is a fun and exciting event combining a love of great jazz with a love of fine wine. (Never a bad combination!) For two days at the end of July, downtown Syracuse is overrun with world-class jazz performances, student performances, jam sessions, late night club dates and more. The Northeast Jazz & Wine Fest began in 2008 by adding a wine dimension to the …more…

Dance

Syracuse City Ballet

Founded in 1997 by current Artistic Director Kathleen Rathbun and some local volunteers, SCB is the only professional ballet company in the central New York area. The company combines the talents of professional, pre-professional, and student dancers in performances of classical ballets, and also frequently adds nationally and internationally known guest artists to its performances, thus affording local dancers and audiences the opportunity to see and work with established …more…