Celtic Junction Arts Center

- 836 Prior Ave N, St Paul, MN 55104

Introduction / Overview

The Celtic Junction Arts Center, situated in the heart of St. Paul, Minnesota, is a vibrant and unique cultural hub that serves as much more than a traditional event venue. Founded in 2016 and identifying as a women-owned business, its mission is to celebrate, promote, and preserve Celtic cultural arts and community. The center is a dedicated home for a variety of arts organizations, including O'Shea Irish Dance, the Center for Irish Music, and the Irish Outreach Coalition, making it the go-to destination for all things Celtic in the Twin Cities. This collaborative environment fosters a rich tapestry of cultural experiences, from public concerts and theatrical performances to educational classes and community gatherings.

The venue itself is a testament to this mission. It features two performance spaces, a main Event Hall with seating for up to 250 people and a cozier ballroom for more intimate gatherings, hosting up to 75. These spaces are equipped with state-of-the-art sound systems, stage lighting, and projection capabilities, making them highly versatile for a variety of events, including concerts, dance recitals, and private parties. The center's unique, comfortably eclectic decor creates a welcoming ambiance that can be easily adapted for concert or cabaret-style seating. The building's amenities, including a welcoming lobby, a rotating gallery of original artwork, and Wi-Fi access, add to the overall professional and enjoyable experience for all visitors.

Beyond its role as a performance and event space, the Celtic Junction Arts Center is a vital education center. It offers a wide array of classes for both adults and children, covering Irish music, dance, and language. This commitment to education is a core part of its identity, ensuring that Irish cultural traditions are handed down to the next generation. The center's dedication to community and inclusivity is also evident in its services. The venue is not only LGBTQ+ friendly and a transgender safe space but also offers discounts for kids on its educational programs, making it an accessible and welcoming place for a diverse range of people. Whether you're a student of Irish heritage or simply curious about Celtic culture, the Celtic Junction Arts Center provides a warm and enriching environment where everyone can connect through the arts.

Location and Accessibility

The Celtic Junction Arts Center is conveniently located at 836 Prior Ave N, St Paul, MN 55104, USA. This central location in the Hamline-Midway neighborhood of St. Paul makes it easily accessible from all parts of the Twin Cities metropolitan area. Its urban setting allows for easy access via major roadways and public transit, providing a practical option for event attendees and class participants traveling from various neighborhoods.

Accessibility is a top priority for the Celtic Junction Arts Center, ensuring a welcoming environment for all. The facility is equipped with a wheelchair accessible entrance, making it easy for individuals with mobility challenges to enter and exit the building comfortably. A wheelchair accessible parking lot is also available, providing convenient and safe parking. Inside, the venue continues its commitment to accessibility with a wheelchair accessible restroom and wheelchair accessible seating in its performance spaces. This thoughtful design ensures that everyone can enjoy concerts, classes, and events without barriers, truly embodying the center's inclusive values.

Services Offered

• Event Venue Rental: Flexible rental options for private events, including weddings, graduations, and corporate meetings, as well as public concerts and performances.
• Concerts and Performances: A wide array of public events featuring local, national, and international artists in Irish and Celtic music and dance.
• Dance Classes: Training in various forms of Irish dance, including Irish Step Dance with instruction from an original Riverdancer.
• Music Classes and Lessons: Instruction in traditional Irish music, including instruments like the fiddle, harp, and tin whistle, taught "by ear" in the traditional style.
• Language Classes: Classes in the Irish language (Gaelic) for various skill levels.
• Arts and Literary Classes: Offerings in creative writing, drawing, and other creative arts.
• Online Classes: Virtual learning options to accommodate students from a wider geographical area.
• Outreach Program: Initiatives to bring Irish dance, music, and language to the wider community.

Features / Highlights

• Dedicated Cultural Hub: The definitive center for Irish and Celtic culture in the Twin Cities, housing multiple arts organizations under one roof.
• Professional Venues: Two distinct performance spaces with state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems, suitable for a wide range of events.
• Inclusive and Welcoming Atmosphere: Identifies as LGBTQ+ friendly and a transgender safe space, with a focus on creating a kind and supportive environment.
• Educational Programs: Offers a comprehensive education program with a focus on passing down traditional arts to the next generation.
• Unique Amenities: Features like a McKiernan Library, a rotating art gallery, and a comfortable waiting area for guests.
• High-Quality Instruction: Classes taught by skilled and passionate instructors with deep roots in their respective art forms.
• Discounts for Kids: Offers special pricing for youth on many of its programs and events, making cultural education more accessible.
• On-Site Services: A full-service venue that can accommodate onsite events with the option for catering and bar services.

Contact Information

Address: 836 Prior Ave N, St Paul, MN 55104, USA

Phone: (612) 722-7000

Mobile Phone: +1 612-722-7000

What is worth choosing

When searching for an event venue or a place for cultural enrichment in Minnesota, the Celtic Junction Arts Center stands out as an exceptional choice. What makes it particularly valuable is its dual identity as both a professional, adaptable event space and a thriving cultural education center. This unique combination means that when you choose the Celtic Junction, you are not just renting a room; you are becoming part of a vibrant, living community dedicated to preserving and celebrating cultural heritage. This atmosphere of warmth, generosity, and kindness is consistently praised by those who have attended events or taken classes here, making it a truly special place.

The quality of the facilities is a significant reason to choose this venue. The spaces, including the main Event Hall and the smaller ballroom, are equipped with top-of-the-line technology, including state-of-the-art sound and lighting. The sprung floors are ideal for dance performances, while the versatile seating arrangements can be configured for concerts, theatrical productions, weddings, and a variety of other functions. This flexibility, combined with the professional amenities, ensures that any event held here will be a success. The availability of amenities like gender-neutral restrooms and a wheelchair-accessible environment further demonstrates a commitment to inclusivity that is increasingly important to local users.

Beyond the physical space, the core of the Celtic Junction's appeal lies in its people and its purpose. The fact that it is a women-owned business and actively identifies as an LGBTQ+ and transgender safe space shows a deep commitment to creating a truly welcoming community for all. For families, the educational programs offer a rare opportunity to learn about Irish music, dance, and language directly from a consortium of dedicated organizations, including the world-renowned O'Shea Irish Dance. These aren’t just one-off classes; they are part of a year-round, structured education program that fosters lifelong learning. The existence of the McKiernan Library and the rotating gallery also adds to the rich educational experience. For anyone in the Minnesota region looking to host an event or immerse themselves in a rich and welcoming cultural experience, the Celtic Junction Arts Center offers an unparalleled blend of professional facilities and a kind-hearted, mission-driven community.

Celtic Junction Arts Center

836 Prior Ave N, St Paul, MN 55104, USA