The venue's main theater features a unique design that ensures no seat is further than 75 feet from the stage.
The complex was built as part of an urban redevelopment project aimed at establishing a 'Heart of the City' for Burnsville.
The art gallery features a signature floor-to-ceiling glass wall that provides natural lighting for installations.
The center regularly hosts performances by the Burnsville-based 'The Phantom’s Music Series' and other local arts organizations.
The facility was specifically designed to accommodate both large-scale national touring productions and intimate community theater events.
The Ames Center is a multi-venue performing arts facility located in Burnsville, Minnesota, featuring a 1,014-seat proscenium main theater and a flexible 150-seat black box studio. The facility houses a public art gallery that hosts rotating exhibits from regional artists. It serves as a regional cultural hub, frequently hosting Broadway-style musicals, concerts, comedy acts, and dance performances. The venue is physically connected to the Burnsville City Hall and the regional library, forming a centralized civic campus. The lobby area is designed to function as a communal space for art appreciation and social gathering.
The lobby's expansive glass frontage, especially during late afternoon when the sunlight filters into the gallery space.
Check the online schedule for free gallery opening receptions, which often feature talks by the exhibiting artists.
Arrive early to explore the lobby's art displays, as the gallery space is often quieter before the evening's main performance begins.
The venue offers accessible seating options; contact the box office in advance to secure optimal spots for mobility needs.
Do not wait until the night of a show to purchase tickets, as popular concerts and touring acts frequently sell out.
The gallery is typically closed to the public during private events; check the center's calendar for specific availability.
Business casual is standard for evening performances; avoid talking or taking photos during live productions.
