RiverCenter for Performing Arts | Columbus City

The RiverCenter for the Performing Arts is a cornerstone of cultural and artistic life in downtown Columbus, Georgia. Located at 900 Broadway, this expansive and modern performing arts complex is widely recognized for its architectural sophistication, versatile performance spaces, and commitment to enriching the regional community through diverse programming and education in the arts.

Overview and History

Opened in March 2002, the RiverCenter was the result of an ambitious public-private partnership aimed at revitalizing the arts in the Chattahoochee Valley. Its construction was funded through over $100 million in combined public and private contributions, including a major $35 million grant from the Bradley-Turner Foundation and a $17 million appropriation from the State of Georgia. The center was part of the broader "Columbus Challenge", a campaign to enhance the cultural infrastructure of the city.

The goal was to create not just a performance venue but a multi-functional space that could accommodate world-class performances, local talent, educational initiatives, and civic events—a true regional hub for the arts.

Architectural Design and Facilities

The RiverCenter was designed by Hardy Holzman Pfeiffer Associates, a renowned architectural firm known for their expertise in performance venues, in collaboration with Hecht Burdeshaw Architects, a local Columbus firm. The resulting design integrates historical architectural influences from the region with contemporary, high-performance functionality.

The exterior draws on Columbus's historic brick and wrought-iron architecture, giving it a sense of place and heritage.

The interior is modern, with flowing forms, rich acoustic materials, steel mesh ribbons, custom lighting fixtures, and sweeping staircases that blend visual elegance with acoustic engineering.

The entire facility encompasses approximately 245,000 square feet and includes three major performance venues:

1. Bill Heard Theatre

The main auditorium, seating just over 2,000 patrons.

Features orchestra, mezzanine, and balcony levels.

Designed for a wide range of performances including Broadway tours, symphony orchestras, opera, ballet, lectures, and pop concerts.

Acoustically tuned to accommodate both amplified and unamplified performances.

Named in honor of Bill Heard, a Columbus businessman and arts patron.

2. Legacy Hall

A more intimate, acoustically superb 430-seat recital hall.

Houses a mechanical-action pipe organ.

Frequently used by the Columbus State University Schwob School of Music, and for solo recitals, chamber music, and choral performances.

Adjustable acoustic features make it versatile for both vocal and instrumental programs.

3. Studio Theatre

A 150-seat black-box theater.

Offers a flexible performance space for experimental theater, workshops, smaller productions, and community arts programs.

Its adaptive setup allows for various stage and audience configurations, making it ideal for creative and educational projects.

Resident and Partner Organizations

The RiverCenter is more than a venue—it is home to several major artistic and educational institutions, reflecting its central role in regional arts development:

Columbus Symphony Orchestra: Performs its full concert season at RiverCenter, enriching the local music scene with classical and pops performances.

Columbus Ballet: Uses the space for major productions and rehearsals.

Youth Orchestra of Greater Columbus: Provides training and performance opportunities for aspiring young musicians.

Columbus State University’s Schwob School of Music: The school occupies a large part of the RiverCenter facility, using it for teaching, rehearsals, recording, and public performances. Students benefit from professional-grade acoustics and equipment.

Programming and Performances

RiverCenter presents a dynamic and varied schedule that includes:

National Broadway Tours: Including shows like Les Misérables, The Phantom of the Opera, Chicago, Cats, Miss Saigon, and Hamilton.

Classical Concerts: Featuring internationally acclaimed musicians and ensembles.

Jazz and Contemporary Music: Performances by artists such as Wynton Marsalis, Itzhak Perlman, and Yo-Yo Ma.

Dance Performances: Including classical ballet, modern dance, and international touring companies.

Family and Community Events: Including children’s theater, school outreach performances, and festivals.

Lectures and Public Forums: Occasionally used for civic gatherings, panels, and academic talks.

Educational and Community Engagement

A central mission of the RiverCenter is to support arts education and increase accessibility to cultural programming. This is achieved through:

ArtReach Program: An educational outreach initiative that brings underserved students to performances and provides in-school workshops and artist residencies.

School Matinees: Tailored performances for student audiences across the region.

Masterclasses and Workshops: Led by visiting artists and open to music and theater students in partnership with Columbus State University.

Community Events: Such as open houses, youth orchestra showcases, and local artist performances.

The RiverCenter plays a leading role in bridging professional arts with community and youth development.

Visitor Information

Location: 900 Broadway, Columbus, Georgia 31901

Box Office Hours:

Monday to Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM

Saturday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Also open two hours prior to each performance

Parking:

On-street parking available around 9th and 10th Streets

A large RiverCenter Parking Garage is available 24/7 with ample free parking

Handicap-accessible spaces in front of the venue on Broadway

Cultural Significance

The RiverCenter has profoundly influenced the cultural and economic revitalization of downtown Columbus. Its presence has encouraged increased investment in the arts, hospitality, and tourism sectors. It acts not only as a performance venue but also as an educational institution, civic space, and architectural landmark.

It successfully merges the goals of excellence in the performing arts with accessibility, education, and community involvement. By hosting top-tier performers and supporting local talent, the RiverCenter continues to be a beacon of cultural pride for Columbus and the entire Chattahoochee Valley.