Throughout its history, Salt Lake City has had a strong tradition of public support for the arts. Just 15 years after the state of Utah was founded, the original Salt Lake Theatre (renamed the Capitol Theatre) was built, serving what was initially a small frontier outpost.
In 1962, as part of the “Second Century Plan”, the city’s leaders proposed the construction of a multi-function civic auditorium, a plan that came to fruition in 1975 when the public approved funding for the construction of Abravanel Hall and the Salt Lake Art Center, and renovation of the Capitol Theatre. In 1989 a group of local performing arts groups formed the Performing Arts Coalition, with the ultimate goal of creating new venues in Salt Lake City; in 1997 the Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center opened as a result of their efforts.
Today the county operates all of these venues – Capitol Theatre, Abravanel Hall and the Rose Wagner Center – under the umbrella of the Salt Lake County Center for the Arts (SLCCA). The city’s many local arts organizations remain the nucleus of SLCCA’s activities; resident companies include Ballet West, Broadway Across America, Repertory Dance Theatre, Gina Bachauer International Piano Foundation, Utah Festival Opera Company, and the Utah Symphony/Utah Opera, among others. SLCCA also maintains a collection of visual art works and permanent installations, on display throughout its myriad venues.
Salt Lake County Center for the Arts Information
- Venues: Capitol Theatre, 50 West 200 South; Abravanel Hall, 123 West South Temple; Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center, 138 West Broadway
- Public Transportation: Fair at all venues (within walking distance of public bus and/or light rail stops)
- Handicapped Accessibility: Good at all venues
- Performances/Programs: Approximately 500 events annually at all venues
- Ticket Prices: Varies widely depending on event and seating choice
- Subscriptions/Membership: Subscriptions available through some of SLCCA’s
