Yet another great reason why Arlington, Virginia is one of the best communities in the nation — “Artisphere” has opened. Here’s a bit of video from earlier this evening, at the facility’s “open house,” which continues tomorrow.
On 10.10.10, the first of a new breed of American cultural centers opens its doors to the DC region: ARTISPHERE. Combining the newly-renovated former Newseum space with the existing Spectrum Theatre next door, Artisphere’s multi-disciplinary cultural offerings will permeate this 62,000 square foot cultural campus seven days a week, 12 hours a day, offering more than 100 events per month! A departure from the traditional “arts temple” one visits sporadically to see a big star, Artisphere is a true “third space” — a place between office and home where the cultural experience is a multi-optioned conduit for patrons to connect with and create community. With a broader diversity of offerings than most traditional cultural centers. On a typical evening, you can finish up some work in the Wi-Fi cafe, take a break and view the exhibits in any of three galleries, then “tweet” some friends to join you later for an experimental film in the Dome, or dance to regional and nationally-known live bands in the Ballroom. The resident companies include Washington Shakespeare Company and National Chamber Ensemble; Artisphere will also include a retail outlet for the Artisan Center, Arlington’s official fine craft purveyors, a Wi-Fi Town Square with a two story video wall, a cafe and bar, an outdoor terrace, and a 4,000 square foot art gallery.
A great new facility, in the old “Newseum” building right near Rosslyn Metro, it seems that there’s going to be something for just about everyone at this facility. Check it out!
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