CULTURE & COMMUNITY A PLACE FOR

The Academy Center of the Arts is Greater Lynchburg’s go-to center for arts, culture, and entertainment. Our mission is to serve our community through year-round programming, children's camps, art classes, gallery events, pottery courses, and of course a calendar filled with exciting events at the newly renovated Academy Theatre!

To see our full calendar of events, please visit: AcademyCenter.org/Events

About The Historic Academy Theatre

The Academy Center of the Arts campus, which encompasses several venues in downtown Lynchburg, is anchored by the Historic Academy of Music Theatre. Originally built in 1905, the Academy was the focal point for entertainment in Lynchburg from the time it opened well into the 1920s. The Academy fell into disrepair and was set to be demolished in the 1960s, until the Friends of the Academy of Music intervened. In 1969, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in hopes the designation would expedite restoration efforts. Eventually, with help from generous donors and the Lynchburg community, the theatre underwent major renovations and restoration efforts from 2015 until it reopened in December 2018 — more than 60 years after it shut its doors to the public. Updates to the 835-seat theatre include state-of-the-art sound and lighting technology, projection screens, and streaming capabilities — all while preserving the 1912-aesthetic that makes this venue a local favorite for theater, music, and quality entertainment!