Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center

Arts and plays. Learning center for children as well as adults. Great history programs

Great cultural experience...August Wilson would be proud of the readings of his plays. Very talented participants. There voices put me right there and props were not needed.

Had my daughters birthday party there last night and it was wonderful! Thanks Downing-Gross

So me and my boyfriend had been going threw it on this day in the early morning. We could not agree, talk, or even look at each other without feeling a way. He decided that we needed to do something that made him at ease. He took me here. They gave us a tour of the building then let us (me, since it was my first time in) explore on our own. They have a conference room they can be rented, nice size for a small meeting. Then there is like a banquet room with a kitchen close by. This room also has drop down screens if you want to show a special something while everyone is eating. There is also a theatre room or auditorium in case you want to do a showcase. All the rooms can be rented out. They also have like a museum of art done be children. Middle schoolers and high schoolers have done some amazing work. This room was my favorite. I didnt get to see the whole building we had another stop to make but this did calm the fire that was raging a bit. I have heard that the dance class held there is very well for those who have children that dance and they also hold different type of events all the time.

Love this building. It has several uses - daily business, art exhibits, music and arts activities and more. This particular visit, I attended a Paint & Sip Tea Party. Had a fun time! These type of parties occur about 3-4 times the first half of the year and hosts a guest artist. Luckily, I attended this one - its the last of the year! Other uses for this spot include job fairs, baby showeres, training classes, luncheons, etc. Great space!

I Just finished viewing the very powerful and entertaining show For Colored Girls and it was Absolute must see!! I must say that I have attended a few productions at the Ella Fitzgerald Theatre in the Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center and it has all been a delightful experience! From pricing to the high quality performances.. Just a wonderfully delightful experience.

We participated in the SKILLS Talent Show 2018 and won! We were invited back in 2019 as two of the judges. There are two beautiful grand pianos available for the stage and Cindy Johnson is kind, helpful and accommodating. Thank you!

We have a nice time every time we go for an event. This was our first year attending the holiday event. It was a Nightmare before Christmas and Frozen theme. There was something different on each floor. The kids had a great time.

Excellent place. This place is a Gem. I volunteer often. Great plays, concerts Art shows. If you havent been inside, you should soon.

We. ame here to see the Dreamgirls play. This cultural center is a true gem in Hampton Roads and a great asset to our community! Clean and beautifully designed!

Ive been to a few concerts there since moving to the Peninsula and its a perfect small venue. Not a bad seat in the house. Tonight I went for an African dance class. Will definitely be returning for next weeks class. I just signed up for emails so that I can take advantage of all this gem in the hood has to offer. Places like this make me love the Peninsula more and more with each passing year.

What a great facility. Employees, including security guards, are always friendly and helpful.

A must visit if youre local or out of town. The plays are fun for the entire family.

I Love that they promote Creativity among our youth within the community! Thank you!

Lovely evening, venue and decor. The youth activies were very nice..really nice, highly recommend!!!

Artwork of Chris Hakanson and the man himself!

Event was beautifully set up, Staff was very helpful and kind, my daughter and grandbaby had a wonderful time.

Attended a memorial celebration for a dear family member of ours...the entire staff was very cordial and hospitable. The entire building housing historical memorabilia of famous African- Americans both past and present is a sight to behold!

Great place full or culture and art also has yoga classes

Very nice place to hold events. Beautiful building. Reasonable price.

This place has great events and a nice artsy environment

What an experience being in this place! The atmosphere is full of love, promise, and togetherness. A wonderful place for all ages in the community to share common interests and build with each other. Also, a great place to find postings of information for everything from furthering your education to upcoming projects, and most, if not all community need-to-knows.

High class facility! Its nice to have such a beautiful theater for the arts right here in newport news. Everything about my experiences there have been wonderful. Most recently I visited to see dream girls and it was a sold out show. Even with a full auditorium there was ample parking in a neighboring lot and the foyer areas didnt feel overly cramped. I recommend this as a venue to any arts program as well as a place to consider for birthday parties or other celebrations.

An important part of who We are ! Improving Our lives .

A wonderful place to meet,attend shows, plays and meet new people.

The Best and Ive had the Opportunity to Share my Poetry.

Its fantastic! Its so nice to be around other artist. Their energy knowledge and spirit is uplifting. If this program is offered again I will definitely want to be a part of it.

Attended a meeting. Very good setting.

The place was very clean and the staff was very professional

The programs that Ive attended and Ive attended quite a few where coordinated and perfectly planned.. it is and I hope it remains a diamond in the East End Community

I really enjoyed the show it was my first time to attend program. And enjoyed every minute of it and Ill try to make to another event

This was a great evening, Regina Belle was absolutely excellent. The facility is very very very nice. I will go there again and again!

Great place to go and view local artists, see a show or take a class.

Saw a special performance by Dramatically Able II which was awesome!

Took my daughter to see a movie for the summer. Great place to visit.

Extremely nice building! Great events held here!

Cool place for community events, art and entertainment.

Got my taxes done -good support

Great art displays and also concerts and live plays.

Always have Great experiences whenever I attend an event from plays to concerts.

Crown jewel of the area. Beautifully designed and excellent events.

Love the way I am greeted its warm and friendly a loving place to be I would recommend it to everyone they does an awesome job I thank you and appreciate you all for all the good deeds that you do

Awesome Family Meeting! Beautiful Facility. I hope to see more of it!

Nice place for nice inexpensive concerts a d plays. Corrin Morgan was a great help upon my arrival

Wonderful community venue where every seat is a GREAT SEAT! I saw DreamGirls here recently and it was an awesome performance!

The Art Center is very clean. There is an over-flow parking lot. The play DREAM GIRLS was Amazimg, awesome cast!!!

It was organized and funny but especially, interesting to see popular people

This establishment was more than I expected. Its very agricultural. Clean environment. People are so kind courteous generous. Help in every care to ones needs. Stop in there are Tuesday movies for the children at 2:00 pm . Free pop corn. Setting of the theater so comfortable . Please stop in an enjoy a good movie for the kids and the best of it all its FREE yes FREE COME JOIN US.

A great place for venues and programs

Nina Brewtons open mic on the second Tuesday of every month keeps my creativity flowing.

KEVONSTAGE was awesome. The facility was beautiful and despite my reservations about being downtown NN, it was safe and just an overall pleasant experience

Beautiful establishments! Friendly workers, Dreamgirls, produced by Dana Howard, Best Play ever, much fun and atmosphere awesome

This a top notch venue, with excellent accommodations, acoustics, and parking!

Great place for cultural events

Nice facility in a challenging part of town

Awesome concert jennifer hoilday. Beautiful person and singer.

Mosaic Steel Drum, great for children.

Nice people

Have great classes for kids (free) Drumming. Photography, and Art.

The best kept secret in town. Check then out!!

Wonderful Go Red For Women event today at the center!

Great place to hold an event. Staff was nice and place was clean

I enjoyed Regina Belle and the facility has a nice intimate atmosphere

Gem of local culture truly helping local artists and by so, inspiring the community.

The play GreamGirls was phenomenal. The venue was state of the art

Been to several shows here. Great facilities and stage shows

We enjoyed ourselves, Mr. Hubbard produced a very moving, comical production, very enjoyable.....m

I attended an event and it was well set up, spacious & clean.

We love this place. Very cultural!

Great music and art, friendly staff

Pretty decent place doing taxes for free

The venue...! Modern, super clean, perfect combination of newness that wont forget the old, its history. I didnt expect the art exhibits or the NN Loves Ella sign in the parking lot. This place has a great feel to it.

Outstanding facility, I will visit again

Excellent place to visit!

I enjoyed viewing the painting from the talented children and the artist, AJ

Special events, Fun &Games, Formal dress codes

A cultural arts center worth visiting!

Fantastic community resource

Great place to visit and a cultural icon.

This was supposed to be a school setting for a training program through HRCAP and unfortunately for the class, there were no computers.

I like this place is because it is in the part of Newport news that nobody likes to go to at night time, except for getting a free lunch or dinner and thats for sure though yall, you know!

Great place very nice atmosphere

It was great.

This is a very nice venue for a concert and an asset to East End NN. The night time lighting is excellent, parking is not bad, and the events I have attended have what appears to be adequate security. However, the facility seems under utilized. Advertisement of the events is limited. I have attempted to register for email notification/ subscribed for event updates but have never received anything.

A place of cultural, learning, and relaxation.

Had a great time

I saw Dreamgirls there on and enjoyed it

Great community and cultural center

Good Venue to visit for Upcoming Events. Willy Wonka production coming soon, from what I heard. KOOL.

Very nice place Ive been in there a couple of times the people have been very helpful

Always a good place to visit. Plus theyve been good to me and my fellow classmates at laughter as medicine Productions.

A true jewel in the heart of downtown Newport News.

Amazing play!!!

Beautiful place

Beautiful cultural facility

A hidden gem. Its small but they have plenty of events.

This is the place for excellent plays.

Clean and nicely set up

Filled with activities and fun

Wonderful experience.