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Topeka Performing Arts Center
Proscenium arch
“To foster the performing arts through excellence in programming by providing for the advancement, promotion, presentation, and development of the arts to meet the diverse cultural and educational needs of our community.”
Long before a municipal building occupied the land between Seventh and Eighth, Quincy and Monroe Street, in Topeka, Kansas, the ground was the site of Colonel George W. Veale's Victorian home, the first in Topeka with electric lights, a furnace and bathrooms. President Grant was honored there at a gala, as were every Governor and United States Senator from Kansas from the time the state was admitted to the Union.
Probably because of all this activity at that site, the people of Topeka wanted that land for its civic buildings. In the late 1800's, the land was acquired, the home leveled, and a two-story brick building (right) was constructed that housed an auditorium, a fire station and city offices. The dedication services continued for three days in September, 1900. Included was a Mendelssohn oratorio and a soloist singing "I'm Living a Ragtime Life." The Auditorium attracted music lovers from great distances.
Renovation was completed in the spring of 1991 at a final cost of $6.25 million. The dream of a world-class performing arts facility for Topeka and northeast Kansas with outstanding acoustics easy access, comfortable surroundings and excellent sightlines became a reality as the new Topeka Performing Arts Center opened March 23, 1991, with "On Broadway" featuring Ben Vereen and Judy Kaye. Enthusiastic crowds of 2,500 at each of two performances applauded both the performers and efforts of those visionary people who, with the support of the community, saw their dream become reality.
As the first production closed, design architect Chulindra summed up the feeling of all those persons involved in the project as he said,"Personally, I have many fond memories of this special project. Every corner of this Center has a place in my heart. I still remember every moment of how designs were evolved, from dream to reality."
