Bushnell Center for Performing Arts

The Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts has offered live theatre performances since 1930. Dotha Bushnell Hillyer created the theatre as a living memorial for her father, the area's beloved minister, philosopher, civic leader and theologian. The center is capable of seating 2,800 people. It was designed by the same architectural firm that designed Radio City Music Hall in New York City. The Bushnell is a blend of Georgian Revival and Art Décor design. The mural "Drama," painted by Barry Faulkner, hangs from the center's roof and is the largest of its kind in the country. Recently 90,000-square feet of space were built adjacent to the theatre, providing over 900 additional seats, a classroom space, rest rooms, a cafe and a gift shop. The Hartford Symphony Orchestra is perhaps the center's most famous resident, performing for the community on the regular basis. The center offers a variety of education programs including everything from cooking classes to spelling bees. A popular program at the theatre is the lecture series that includes Helen Keller and Eleanor Roosevelt, a part of the children's theatre experience. The center's school-based arts program offer art as a part of the classroom, community, school curricula and directly to students. The goal is to motivate students to discover and participate in the arts.