Be moved, inspired, entertained.
Greenwood’s Uptown Arts & Culture District features a variety of creative, cultural, and entertainment opportunities including art galleries, performances, workshops, museum exhibits and much more.
In 2011, The Arts Center, Greenwood Community Theatre, and The Museum worked in close partnership to form a stronger bond. As the “Big 3,” these three non-profit arts and cultural community organizations reside in three side-by-side buildings on the 100 block of Main Street.
Greenwood Community Theatre
The renovated 300-seat Greenwood Community Theatre offers year-round entertainment for the entire family. Located in the historic State Theater building, which originally opened to the public as a movie house in 1934, GCT stages locally-produced, top notch shows and musicals that compete largely with those of large regional theater companies. Children’s theatre, summer camps, holiday concerts, and a theatre program for children with special needs fill out the packed schedule at this active performing arts venue.
The Arts Center
Founded by The Arts Council of Greenwood County, The Arts Center is located in the historic 1911 Federal Building and showcases local and regional art exhibits in the beautifully renovated gallery. Arts education programs including summer art camps, workshops and art classes are held in one of three classroom spaces. The spacious, modern gallery exhibits a rotation of outstanding regional and local artists, an annual juried art show, opening receptions and artist talks. The gallery, reception hall, and conference room host many public events and are available for private rental functions.
The Museum & The Railroad Historical Center
Twice recognized as the SC Tourist Attraction of the Year in its category, The Museum hosts a wide variety of interactive exhibits highlighting regional history, natural history, and local art and culture. The Railroad Historical Center on South Main exhibits an old steam locomotive and other railroad rolling stock dating back to the 18th century. Recent renovations to the train cars make this a popular venue for dinner theatre and other special events.
Additional events and venues:
Uptown Live
This popular outdoor concert series features both regional and touring artists in a variety of musical genres. Most dates are at the Uptown Market. Free and open to the public.
Music on Maxwell: A Listening Room
This seasonal music series features new and upcoming artists from around the region and country. It is held on the intimate upstairs stage at the elegant Sundance Gallery, owned by renowned photographer jon o. holloway.
Main & Maxwell Gallery Shop
A unique gallery shop offering a selection of high quality art and handcrafted pieces, Main & Maxwell features locally and regionally produced art, goods, and gifts. Founded in 2016 by local artist Laura Bachinski, Main & Maxwell now represents over 40 South Carolina artists.
Greenwood Performing Arts
The Greenwood Performing Arts season presents an excellent array of professional performers each year, with a focus on providing diverse artistic performances that entertain and educate area audiences of all ages.
Lander University Performing & Fine Arts
Lander University has an active schedule of public performances and exhibits each school year, featuring student and faculty work in Fine Arts, Music, Performing Arts, Visual Arts, Graphic Design, and Mass Communications.