Mitchell Fine Arts Center

- 350 N. Broadway, W 4th St, Lexington, KY 40508

The Mitchell Fine Arts Center (MFAC), centrally located on the historic campus of Transylvania University in Lexington, stands as one of Central Kentucky’s most important and versatile cultural hubs. Far more than a simple theater, the Mitchell Fine Arts Center is a dynamic complex that serves as a cornerstone for performing arts, visual arts, and educational endeavors throughout the Bluegrass region. Since its opening in 1966, the center has provided a professional, state-of-the-art venue for a wide array of both amateur and professional companies, hosting everything from grand musical performances and dramatic plays to essential school and community events. It is a place where Kentucky residents can consistently access high-quality live entertainment and engaging artistic exhibitions.

The unique design of the MFAC, which centers around a remarkable double-sided stage, exemplifies its commitment to versatility and excellence. This innovative architecture allows the facility to seamlessly transition between hosting large-scale concerts in its Haggin Auditorium and staging intimate, focused productions in the Carrick Theater. Surrounded by a variety of supporting spaces, including the prominent Morlan Gallery and the adjacent Lucille Little Theater (a dedicated black box facility), the MFAC ensures that virtually every artistic and cultural need can be met within its walls. It truly acts as a cultural anchor for the Lexington community and for all of Kentucky, inviting patrons to explore their creative side and share in memorable cultural experiences. As one local visitor noted, it is an "Amazing space and beautiful site," perfect for making lasting memories.

The Mitchell Fine Arts Center is a testament to Transylvania University's dedication to fostering the arts, welcoming the wider Kentucky public to engage with its rich programming. It is a space committed to inclusivity, offering a family-friendly atmosphere that is also explicitly welcoming and a designated safe space for the LGBTQ+ and transgender communities, ensuring that all patrons feel respected and comfortable as they enjoy the arts.

Location and Accessibility in Lexington, Kentucky

Conveniently situated in downtown Lexington, the Mitchell Fine Arts Center is easy to reach for locals and visitors traveling from across Kentucky. Its location on the Transylvania University campus positions it near other key downtown attractions and major roadways, simplifying travel, whether coming from Frankfort, Louisville, or anywhere in the surrounding counties.

The official address for the facility is 350 N. Broadway, W 4th St, Lexington, KY 40508, USA. While the main entrances may have steps (a detail typical of buildings constructed in the mid-1960s), the center has made significant efforts to ensure broad accessibility. Patrons with mobility concerns are highly encouraged to contact the facility ahead of time so the friendly, accommodating staff can provide personalized assistance and ensure a smooth visit.

Crucially for a downtown Lexington location, the Mitchell Fine Arts Center provides excellent parking solutions.

• Free parking lot options are available on-site, a tremendous convenience for attendees.
• Free street parking is also typically available in the vicinity, depending on local regulations and event times.
• The availability of on-site parking streamlines the experience for those driving in for an evening performance or gallery visit.

• Wheelchair accessible entrance (assistance may be required; contacting staff is recommended).
• Wheelchair accessible parking lot.
• Wheelchair accessible restroom.
• Wheelchair accessible seating, including dedicated spaces in the front row of Haggin Auditorium.

Services Offered at Mitchell Fine Arts Center

As a multi-faceted fine arts center, the services provided extend well beyond simply hosting a stage. The MFAC offers a broad spectrum of cultural and educational resources, making it a true arts school and theater complex for the Lexington community.

• Performing Arts Theater Venue: Hosting a diverse annual schedule of theater productions, musical concerts (both classical and contemporary), dance recitals, and spoken word events in its primary venues, Haggin Auditorium (large capacity) and Carrick Theater (intimate setting).
• Art Gallery Exhibitions (Morlan Gallery): Curating and presenting a continuous rotation of visual art exhibits, showcasing works from both established and emerging artists, enriching the visual arts landscape in Kentucky.
• Educational Programs: Serving as the home for Transylvania University’s Theater Program, utilizing the Lucille Little Theater (Black Box) for rehearsals and student performances, effectively operating as a training ground for future artists.
• Live Performances: Regularly presenting a schedule of high-quality, professional live shows and performances for the general public, fulfilling its highlight as a venue for top-tier entertainment.
• Event Rental Space: Offering its unique and technically superior spaces, including its auditoriums and recital hall (Coleman Recital Hall), for rental by external professional performance companies, community organizations, and academic groups.
• Community Engagement: Hosting community and academic events, lectures, and non-profit gatherings, solidifying its role as a key community resource.
• Patron Amenities: Providing essential comforts, including clean restrooms and accepting major payment forms (Credit cards and Debit cards) for tickets and other purchases.

Features and Highlights for Kentucky Patrons

The unique structural and operational features of the Mitchell Fine Arts Center make it a standout location for arts and culture in Kentucky. These highlights emphasize its professional capacity and its dedication to the community.

• Unique Double-Sided Stage: The cornerstone feature, offering a massive 3,400 square foot stage that can serve either the 1,028-seat Haggin Auditorium or the 280-seat Carrick Theater, allowing for unparalleled versatility in event scale and design.
• Multiple Specialized Venues: In addition to the main auditoriums, the center includes the intimate Coleman Recital Hall and the Lucille Little Theater black box, ensuring the perfect venue size for everything from solo recitals to experimental theater.
• Professional Technical Capacity: Boasting sophisticated technical assets, including modern lighting systems (ETC EOS controls, LED fixtures, and moving lights), independent, professional-grade audio systems, and extensive over-stage rigging, making it a premier choice for complex productions.
• Commitment to Inclusivity: Clearly stating its status as an LGBTQ+ friendly and transgender safespace, alongside being a family-friendly venue with activities good for kids, the MFAC actively promotes a welcoming environment for all segments of the Kentucky population.
• Kid-Friendly Activities: The venue often hosts performances or events that are explicitly good for kids and family-friendly, ensuring that younger Kentucky residents have access to engaging cultural experiences.
• Financial Convenience: Patrons can easily pay for tickets and concessions using various methods, as Credit cards and Debit cards are accepted.

Contact Information

For updated event schedules, ticket information, or inquiries about renting a space, Kentucky residents can use the following contact details:

Address: 350 N. Broadway, W 4th St, Lexington, KY 40508, USA

Phone: (859) 233-8585

Mobile Phone: +1 859-233-8585

What Makes Mitchell Fine Arts Center Worth Choosing

For anyone in the Lexington area or the broader Kentucky region seeking a fulfilling artistic experience, the Mitchell Fine Arts Center should be at the top of their list. It represents a rare combination of professional-grade facilities, cultural diversity, and genuine community spirit.

The primary reason to choose MFAC is its ability to deliver a consistently high-quality live performance experience. The technical capabilities of Haggin Auditorium and Carrick Theater rival those of larger metropolitan centers, yet the venue retains a comfortable, local atmosphere. Whether you are an opera lover, a classical music enthusiast, a theater student, or a parent looking for kid-friendly cultural activities, the variety of the live performances on offer ensures there is something for everyone.

Furthermore, the presence of the Morlan Gallery adds a crucial visual arts component, turning a single visit into a comprehensive cultural outing. Patrons can enjoy an engaging art exhibit before or after a performance, making the center a true destination for both the performing and visual arts. This synergy creates a richer, more diverse cultural offering than most single-purpose theaters.

Finally, the center’s explicit commitment to inclusivity and accessibility is a powerful reason for the Kentucky community to support it. The provision of free and accessible parking, wheelchair accommodations, and a declared safespace for all patrons means that the arts are genuinely available to every member of the community. This dedication to a welcoming and supportive environment, combined with the excellent staff noted in customer reviews, ensures that every visit is not just a performance, but a pleasant and memorable event. Choosing the Mitchell Fine Arts Center means supporting a vital, inclusive, and high-quality cultural institution right here in the heart of Kentucky.

Mitchell Fine Arts Center

350 N. Broadway, W 4th St, Lexington, KY 40508, USA