Scranton Cultural Center | Scranton

Here is a detailed overview of the Scranton Cultural Center:

Overview and Location

The Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple is a historic and multifunctional performing arts and cultural venue located at 420 North Washington Avenue, Scranton, Pennsylvania. It serves as one of the region’s premier destinations for arts, entertainment, community events, and education.

Architectural Significance

Designed by renowned architect Raymond M. Hood, who also contributed to iconic projects like the Tribune Tower in Chicago and Rockefeller Center in New York, the building was completed in 1930. It showcases a blend of Neo-Gothic and Romanesque Revival architectural styles, notable for its grand scale, intricate stone carvings, and use of Indiana limestone for the exterior. The architectural details include gothic arches, ornate terra cotta trim, and finely crafted decorative elements reflecting the Masonic heritage of the building.

The structure spans approximately 188,000 square feet and is arranged over nine floors, making it a substantial complex that has served various community and cultural functions over nearly a century.

Original Purpose and History

The building was originally constructed to function as a Masonic lodge and Scottish Rite Cathedral, intended for the local Masonic fraternity to hold meetings, ceremonies, and social functions. It was dedicated on January 2, 1930 and was considered a centerpiece of Scranton’s civic and social life.

Over time, recognizing the cultural and community potential beyond Masonic use, the building was transitioned into a broader cultural center. The formation of the Scranton Cultural Center as a nonprofit organization helped preserve the building and repurpose it to serve the wider public through arts programming, education, and community engagement.

Facilities and Spaces

The Cultural Center features several key spaces designed to accommodate a variety of events:

Harry and Jeannette Weinberg Memorial Theatre:
The main auditorium seats 1,866 people and hosts major performances including Broadway touring productions, concerts, lectures, and special events. It boasts excellent acoustics and elegant architectural detailing, making it a sought-after performance venue.

Grand Ballroom:
One of the largest ballrooms in the region, capable of hosting up to 2,400 standing guests or around 1,200 seated guests. The ballroom features elaborate chandeliers, rich woodwork, and ornate plaster ceilings, making it ideal for large banquets, galas, weddings, and conferences.

Shopland Hall:
A smaller, intimate theatre with seating for about 500 guests, often used for community theater productions, smaller concerts, lectures, and private events.

Raymond Hood Room:
Originally built as a bowling alley, this space has been repurposed as a versatile event room for meetings, receptions, and social gatherings.

Governor Robert P. Casey Library:
A resource center dedicated to research and community learning, housing archives and historical materials related to the center and the region.

Craftsmen and Snyder/Gazda Halls:
These halls provide additional event and meeting spaces, historically used for Masonic meetings but now available for various functions.

Programs and Events

The Scranton Cultural Center offers a wide range of programming including:

Broadway and Touring Shows:
The theater regularly hosts national touring productions of popular Broadway shows such as Les Misérables, Cats, Jersey Boys, and others, bringing world-class entertainment to the region.

Concerts:
Various music concerts span genres from rock and pop to classical and jazz. Notable performers like Alice Cooper, Maroon 5, and Dave Matthews have appeared on its stage.

Comedy and Spoken Word:
The venue hosts comedy acts by renowned comedians like George Carlin and Jeff Dunham, as well as lectures and inspirational speakers.

Youth and Community Theatre:
The SCC Youth Theatre Program offers opportunities for young performers to participate in full-scale productions such as Shrek The Musical and The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical, fostering local talent and community engagement.

Private Events and Community Functions:
The Cultural Center is a popular location for weddings, corporate events, fundraisers, galas, and educational workshops, serving as a vital hub for social and civic gatherings.

Preservation and Mission

As a historic landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Scranton Cultural Center balances historic preservation with contemporary use. The organization is committed to maintaining the architectural integrity of the building while providing accessible arts and cultural programs that enrich the Scranton community and surrounding areas.

Visitor Information

Ticket Sales: Tickets for events can be purchased at the Fidelity Bank Box Office located inside the Cultural Center or online through official ticket vendors.

Box Office Hours: Hours vary seasonally but generally include weekday and Saturday availability, with closures on Sundays.

Accessibility: The building is equipped to accommodate guests with disabilities, ensuring an inclusive experience for all visitors.

Summary

The Scranton Cultural Center stands as a vital cultural and historic institution in northeastern Pennsylvania. Its combination of architectural grandeur, rich Masonic heritage, and diverse programming makes it both a treasured landmark and a vibrant center for the arts and community life.