Colfax Cultural Center

- 914 Lincoln Way W, South Bend, IN 46616

For those in Indiana seeking a vibrant space where art, history, and community converge, the Colfax Cultural Center in South Bend is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. Far from being just a museum, this historic building serves as a bustling hub for creative collaboration, social services, and artistic expression. Managed and owned by the South Bend Heritage Foundation, the center's mission is to save and preserve this historical building while expanding access to art and wellness opportunities for everyone in the community. As a free and publicly accessible venue, it invites residents and visitors alike to step into a space filled with rich history and contemporary creativity.

The building itself holds a remarkable story, originally constructed in 1898 as a public grade school. As one of the oldest remaining Victorian schoolhouses in South Bend, it offers a tangible connection to the city's past. The center is also named after Schuyler Colfax, a significant figure in American history who was elected Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives and later served as Vice President of the United States. Visitors can appreciate the building's historical significance while enjoying the modern purpose it serves today. This blend of old and new is a key part of the center’s charm, making it a truly unique destination for those who appreciate both heritage and innovation.

The Colfax Cultural Center is a place designed for everyone. It hosts a variety of art-related businesses and social service agencies, including the Southhold Dance Theater and the SBH Colfax Campus Gallery. This diverse mix of tenants creates a collaborative environment where art, music, and wellness are all given a platform. The center is committed to providing affordable access for artists, wellness practitioners, and community agencies, which in turn fosters a wide range of engaging and unique opportunities for community building. As one reviewer noted, it is an "awesome historic site" with "beautiful artwork displayed from local artist," highlighting its dual role as a preserver of history and a promoter of local talent.

The Colfax Cultural Center is located at 914 Lincoln Way W, South Bend, IN 46616, USA. Its address places it in a central and easily accessible part of the city for residents of South Bend and the surrounding areas. The center is deeply committed to ensuring that it is a welcoming place for all members of the community, and its accessibility features are a testament to this. It offers a wheelchair-accessible car park, a wheelchair-accessible entrance, and a wheelchair-accessible toilet. These features provide peace of mind and convenience for visitors with mobility challenges, making it a truly inclusive cultural destination.

The location on Lincoln Way W is straightforward to find, which is a great benefit for individuals and families planning a visit. The on-site amenities, including a public toilet, ensure a comfortable experience for all guests. The combination of a convenient location and thoughtful accessibility features makes the Colfax Cultural Center a hassle-free and enjoyable destination for anyone in Indiana looking to explore local arts and history. The fact that the center is so easy to access and navigate adds to its appeal as a community resource that is genuinely for everyone.

The Colfax Cultural Center is home to a variety of tenants and programs that offer diverse services to the community.

• Art Galleries: The SBH Colfax Campus Gallery features a wide range of exhibits from local, regional, and national artists. The space includes three primary gallery areas: the Robert Seifert Gallery, the Court Gallery, and the Paper Room, which host rotating shows and special events.
• Dance Programs: The Southhold Dance Theater operates within the center, providing a space for dance education and performances, enriching the local arts scene.
• Wellness Services: The center houses various wellness practitioners and social service agencies, such as Neil Gilbert, Counseling & Healing, and Renew, Inc. This makes it a multi-faceted hub that supports both the artistic and personal well-being of the community.
• Community Organizations: It is also home to other organizations, including the South Bend Chapter of the NAACP, fostering a space for community building and engagement.
• Exhibits & Events: The center hosts a variety of public events and juried exhibitions, such as the annual Art & Social Justice Exhibition, a significant and anticipated event that showcases art related to a socially just world.

The Colfax Cultural Center has several standout features that make it a compelling point of interest.

• Historic Building: The center is housed in a cool, old building with a great deal of history, making a visit an experience that combines art appreciation with a sense of the past.
• Free and Open to the Public: A major highlight is that the center and its art exhibits are free and open to the public, removing any financial barrier to accessing local culture.
• Support for Local Artists: The center actively supports local artists by providing small and large spaces for art exhibits and hosting public events like art receptions and performances.
• Community-Focused Mission: Owned and managed by the South Bend Heritage Foundation, the center's mission is to expand access to art and wellness, which is evident in its diverse range of tenants and programs.
• Inclusivity: The availability of a wheelchair-accessible car park, entrance, and toilet demonstrates a strong commitment to accessibility for all visitors.

Contact Information
Address: 914 Lincoln Way W, South Bend, IN 46616, USA
Phone: (574) 289-1066

For anyone in Indiana looking for a cultural experience that is both rich in history and grounded in community, the Colfax Cultural Center is an excellent choice. What makes it particularly worth visiting is its unique blend of public art and social purpose. The fact that it is "free and open to public" is a significant advantage, inviting everyone to enjoy its offerings without concern for cost. Real customer reviews highlight this, praising the "small and large spaces for art exhibits" and the "cool old building with a great deal of history."

The center’s role in showcasing "beautiful artwork displayed from local artist" reinforces its value as a hub for the community's creative talent. This is not a place that features only high-profile, distant artists; it is a platform for the talent that exists right here in Indiana. By visiting, you are supporting local arts and culture in a very direct way. The commitment of the South Bend Heritage Foundation to preserving this historic site while making it a relevant and accessible space for art, wellness, and social services makes the Colfax Cultural Center a truly special and worthwhile destination for anyone interested in exploring the vibrant heart of South Bend.

Colfax Cultural Center

914 Lincoln Way W, South Bend, IN 46616, USA