Benjamin & Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center, located in Dayton, is an important cultural hub of the city, opened in 2003. This modern complex, situated on the site of the former Rike's department store between North Main, West Second, and North Ludlow Streets, is managed by Dayton Live. Named in honor of local benefactors, Dr. and Mrs. Benjamin Schuster, who made a significant financial contribution to the project, the Schuster Center has become the main venue for live arts in Dayton.
Schuster Center is an important cultural hub where you can find a number of significant venues. Among them are the Mead Theatre with 2,300 seats, the box office for all Dayton Live venues, Starbucks café, the Wintergarden glass vestibule, and the Mathile Theatre, which serves for performances, events, and rehearsals.
Opened in 2003 as a new venue for large touring Broadway productions and presentations by Dayton Live, the Schuster Center has become home to the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra, Dayton Opera, and Dayton Ballet. The project was designed by architect Caesar Pelli, with construction starting in April 2000 and completing in February 2003 at a cost of $121 million. Contributions to the project were made by Dr. Benjamin Schuster and his wife Marian, who donated $8 million.
On February 28, 2003, the Schuster Center celebrated its grand opening, which became a significant event for both local artists and national celebrities. The main performance space of the center is the Mead Theatre with 2,300 seats. A feature of this theatre is the fiber-optic starry ceiling that recreates the night sky, reflecting the stars.
Since its opening, the Schuster Center has become an important venue for numerous leading musical shows, including hits like "Hamilton," "The Lion King," "Les Misérables," "Wicked," "Jersey Boys," "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat," and "Beauty and the Beast."
Current Information:
Address: 1 W 2nd St, Dayton, OH 45402, United States
Contacts: +1 937-637-8100
