The Walton Arts Center is Arkansas' largest performing arts center. It is located in Fayetteville, Arkansas near the campus of the University of Arkansas, and serves as a cultural center for the Northwest Arkansas area. The building was opened in 1992 in large part because of funds donated by the Walton family (of Wal-Mart). The center is host to many musicals, plays, and other artistic and educational events throughout the year.

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History

The idea for the Walton Arts Center started in the 1980s with a donation from Sam Walton to the University of Arkansas for the creation of a performance space. After talks with the city of Fayetteville who were also looking for a multi-purpose space for conferences and special events. After a consensus was met, the corner of Dickson Street and North School Avenue was chosen for being approximately halfway between downtown Fayetteville and the University. Finally in 1986 the Walton Arts Center Council was formed with the task of the construction of the facility.

Facilities

The Walton Arts Center has a variety of stage designs to suit many of the touring shows that preform there.

Baum Walker Hall

The main auditorium is the Baum Walker Hall, which is a proscenium stage which is equipped to handle many of the Broadway shows that come through. The Baum Walker Hall has total combined seating of 1,201 which is divided between the Orchestra Level and the Balcony.

Starr Theater

Starr Theater is a black box style theater with seating for 220. When not used for theatre productions this space can be used for receptions, dinners, or other formal occasions.

Nadine Baum Studios

Not directly part of the main Walton Arts Center building, Nadine Baum Studios is a large mutli-purpose room that can be used either as a performance space or a reception area.

McBride Studio

McBride is a smaller 100 person studio space adjacent to Starr Theater and is similarly suited for receptions, meetings, or classes.

Lobby Spaces

The Walton Arts Center features two unique lobby spaces for receptions or dinners. These include the Pace Balcony Lobby on the second floor, and The Cynthia H. Coughlin Gallery Lobby on the main floor adjacent to the main entrance.

Bradbury Amphitheater/Rose Garden

Outside in the rear of the facility is an gated area off Dickson Street that is suited for receptions or dinners. Depending on the use, it has seating for up to 200.