Monongalia Arts Center is a nonprofit community arts center at 107 High Street in downtown Morgantown, West Virginia. Established in 1978, the MAC occupies the city’s former post office, a neoclassical building completed in 1913. Travelers come for changing exhibitions, intimate theater, and hands-on arts education rather than a large permanent museum collection. Its historic architecture and locally focused programming make it an accessible introduction to Morgantown’s creative community.
What to Expect at Monongalia Arts Center
Begin with the Benedum Gallery, then explore whichever additional exhibition spaces are open that day, including the Davis Gallery. Exhibitions rotate, so the experience changes with the calendar: allow time to read artist statements and look closely rather than arriving with a checklist of permanent masterpieces. The building itself rewards attention, with its formal stone exterior, classical detailing, and substantial proportions recalling its original federal role. Check the official exhibitions page before choosing your visit date.
The Tanner Theatre adds a performing-arts dimension, while classes extend well beyond traditional gallery viewing. Programming includes art, dance, improv, digital photography, and watercolors; community maker-space and artist-studio initiatives further emphasize making rather than simply observing. June and July bring half-day summer camps for ages 6–18, with subjects including printing and theater. A small gift-shop component offers another reason to browse. This is a working community arts center: galleries, rehearsals, instruction, and special events may operate on different schedules.
- Benedum Gallery: A principal exhibition space for changing shows, best explored slowly with attention to individual artists’ statements.
- Davis Gallery: Additional exhibition space that broadens the visit when its current installation is open.
- Tanner Theatre: An intimate setting for scheduled performances and community performing arts, separate from an ordinary gallery visit.
- Creative classes: Offerings range from watercolor and photography to dance and improv; register for the specific session you want.
- Historic post-office architecture: The 1913 building gives contemporary community programming a distinctly early-20th-century civic setting.
Monongalia Arts Center at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 107 High Street, Morgantown, WV 26505, United States |
| Neighborhood / Area | Downtown Morgantown, near the Monongahela riverfront |
| Operating Hours | Monday closed; Tuesday 6–9 p.m.; Wednesday–Friday 1–7 p.m.; Saturday–Sunday closed. Classes and performances have separate schedules. |
| Admission / Price Range | General gallery admission is free; donations welcome. Classes, camps, and ticketed performances have separate fees. Overall price tier: $. |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 45–60 minutes for galleries; longer for a class or performance |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | WVU PRT Walnut station, approximately 5–10 minutes on foot; paid municipal parking at the Pleasant Street garage and downtown meters |
| Official Website & Phone | Monongalia Arts Center; +1 304-292-3325 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
For a straightforward gallery visit, aim for Wednesday through Friday shortly after the 1 p.m. opening. Tuesday’s evening hours can suit travelers occupied during the day, but check the calendar before building an itinerary around an exhibition. Reserve classes and ticketed performances separately; a gallery visit does not include participation. Start with the main exhibition, then ask staff about other open rooms. Keep bags compact, ask before photographing artworks, and contact the center about guided group visits or bag storage rather than assuming museum-style services.
From Walnut PRT station, continue through downtown toward lower High Street; PRT service varies with WVU’s operating calendar. Drivers can use the Pleasant Street garage, checking posted rates and restrictions. Downtown sidewalks slope toward the river, and the historic MAC has spaces on multiple levels: wheelchair users and families with strollers should consult the accessibility page and call about the entrance route and access to their particular gallery or theater event. Nearby, pair the MAC with the Morgantown History Museum, about five minutes away, or Hazel Ruby McQuain Riverfront Park and the paved Caperton Trail, roughly 5–10 minutes downhill. High Street’s restaurants provide another easy extension.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Monongalia Arts Center open?
Regular hours are Tuesday 6–9 p.m. and Wednesday–Friday 1–7 p.m., with Monday and weekends closed. Wednesday through Friday afternoons work well for gallery browsing; check separately for event times and holiday changes.
Is admission free, and do I need reservations?
General gallery admission is free, and ordinary browsing does not require a timed ticket. Classes, camps, and some performances require paid registration or tickets; consult the official calendar for individual prices.
How long should I spend at the MAC?
Allow 45–60 minutes to explore the exhibitions and historic building. Add the full scheduled duration if you are attending a workshop, class, or performance.
Is the center suitable for families?
Yes: youth classes and summer camps make families an important part of its audience. Check each activity’s age requirements; summer camps cover ages 6–18, and stroller or wheelchair routes should be discussed with staff before arrival.
When planning your Morgantown travel guide or comparing verified attractions and museums in Morgantown, pair this stop with standout local spots including Scott's Run Museum, Sabraton, Courtyard Morgantown, and Morgantown History Museum (nearby).
