Imperial Centre for the Arts & Sciences | Rocky Mount

Imperial Centre for the Arts & Sciences – Detailed Overview

Location and Historical Background

The Imperial Centre for the Arts & Sciences is located at 270 Gay Street in downtown Rocky Mount, North Carolina. The facility occupies a historic site originally constructed as the Imperial Tobacco Company warehouse in the early 20th century. This imposing industrial building was transformed into a vibrant cultural and educational complex, opening its doors in 2005 after extensive renovation.

The redevelopment preserved many architectural and industrial features of the original tobacco warehouse, including a striking 90-foot brick chimney and a massive 180-foot overhead steel conveyor system. These elements serve as iconic symbols linking the site’s industrial past to its contemporary role as a cultural hub.

Facility Size and Layout

The Imperial Centre spans approximately 135,000 square feet across multiple floors and buildings, offering diverse spaces dedicated to the arts, sciences, and community engagement. The facility is designed to be accessible and welcoming to visitors of all ages and interests, with a blend of galleries, interactive exhibits, theaters, classrooms, and event spaces.

Main Components

1. Maria V. Howard Arts Center

This segment of the Imperial Centre serves as the visual and performing arts division. It operates as a department within the City of Rocky Mount’s Parks and Recreation, offering a broad range of arts programming, education, and exhibitions.

The center houses a permanent art collection with over 500 works primarily by North Carolina and Southeast regional artists. The collection includes paintings, sculptures, ceramics, and mixed media.

Notable artists featured include Frances Speight, Sarah Blakeslee, and Ben Owen Sr., among others.

The Arts Center offers rotating exhibitions that spotlight local, regional, and sometimes national artists.

Educational outreach and workshops target all age groups, supporting arts education and community participation in the visual and performing arts.

2. Rocky Mount Children's Museum & Science Center

This interactive museum is designed specifically for children and families, blending fun with educational STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) experiences.

Exhibits are hands-on and designed to stimulate curiosity and learning in children from toddlers to pre-teens.

Permanent exhibits include the Toddler Park, where the youngest visitors can safely explore sensory and motor skills activities.

The PNC Live Animal Gallery offers opportunities to see and learn about live animals, fostering an understanding of biology and ecosystems.

The museum features a large 1,200-gallon touch tank, allowing children to interact with various marine species such as starfish and crabs.

Astronomy-themed displays and interactive modules encourage children to explore space science.

3. Cummins Planetarium

Opened in 2006, the Cummins Planetarium is a major educational resource and entertainment venue within the Centre.

It is the first planetarium in North Carolina equipped with a full-dome video projection system, providing an immersive experience for viewers.

The planetarium features a 30-foot diameter dome, projecting detailed and dynamic astronomical visuals.

Programming includes educational shows on astronomy, space exploration, the solar system, stars, and celestial phenomena.

The shows are designed for audiences of all ages and are included with Children's Museum admission, making it an accessible attraction for families.

4. Imperial Centre Theatre

The theatre within the Imperial Centre is a focal point for live performing arts in Rocky Mount.

This 21,000-square-foot facility includes a 300-seat auditorium, providing an intimate yet professional environment for performances.

The theatre hosts a variety of cultural events such as community theatre productions, musicals, concerts, dance performances, and special presentations.

The venue is equipped with full backstage facilities, including dressing rooms and an orchestra pit, supporting a range of production needs.

The theatre serves as a gathering place for both local artists and touring acts, enriching the cultural landscape of Rocky Mount.

Programs and Community Engagement

The Imperial Centre offers a wide array of programs designed to engage the local community:

Art workshops and classes for children and adults, fostering creative skills and appreciation.

School group visits and field trips aligned with educational standards in arts and sciences.

Community outreach initiatives aimed at providing access to arts and STEM education for underserved populations.

Special events such as art receptions, science fairs, holiday celebrations, and public lectures.

The venue supports arts festivals and other cultural gatherings that contribute to the vibrancy of Rocky Mount’s downtown area.

Event and Rental Facilities

The Imperial Centre functions as an event venue for private and public gatherings:

Various spaces can be rented for weddings, receptions, corporate meetings, and social events.

The largest indoor space accommodates up to 350 guests, while the Imperial Centre Theatre seats 300.

Rentals include access to tables, chairs, audiovisual equipment, and catering services upon approval.

The Centre allows alcohol service under regulated permits, supporting celebrations and formal occasions.

The blend of historic ambiance with modern amenities makes it a desirable location for memorable events.

Visitor Amenities and Accessibility

The Imperial Centre is fully accessible to visitors with disabilities, featuring ramps, elevators, and accommodations to ensure an inclusive experience.

On-site parking facilities are available, and the location is easily reachable via major highways including U.S. Highway 64 and Interstate 95.

Admission to the Maria V. Howard Arts Center is free, while the Children’s Museum, Science Center, and Planetarium have reasonable admission fees, making it affordable for families.

Theatre tickets are priced to encourage attendance by a broad audience.

Operating Hours

Tuesday through Saturday: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Sunday: 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Closed on Mondays (except for special events and theatre performances)

Membership and Support

The Imperial Centre offers membership packages that provide benefits such as:

Unlimited admission to the Children’s Museum and Science Center.

Discounts on theatre tickets and gift shop purchases.

Invitations to special members-only events.

Membership options include Family, Grandparent, and Individual passes, catering to different household needs.

Cultural and Educational Impact

The Imperial Centre for the Arts & Sciences plays a critical role in enriching Rocky Mount’s cultural, educational, and social fabric. It acts as:

A cultural beacon preserving and promoting visual and performing arts.

A scientific learning hub introducing children and families to STEM disciplines in engaging ways.

A community gathering place for artistic expression, education, and entertainment.

A driver for downtown revitalization, attracting visitors and supporting local economic growth.

The Centre’s multidisciplinary approach uniquely combines arts and sciences under one roof, fostering curiosity, creativity, and community pride.

Summary

The Imperial Centre for the Arts & Sciences is a comprehensive cultural complex housed in a historic tobacco warehouse in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. It offers rich and varied experiences through its art galleries, children’s museum, planetarium, and theatre, combined with educational programs and community events. The Centre serves as a landmark for preserving local heritage while promoting lifelong learning and artistic engagement for residents and visitors alike.