The Ware Center
About the Ware Center
The Ware Center is Lancaster’s premier performing arts center. Located on Lancaster’s famous Gallery Row, our mission is to foster creativity, learning, and understanding in our great community.
Since 2011, we have become a thriving center of cultural activity in our community, home to diverse cultural and artistic experiences that are unmatched in our region! Throughout the year, our arts spaces host a rich variety of live theater performances, classical, jazz, and contemporary music concerts, dance performances, lectures, films, and art exhibitions.
The Ware Center is conveniently located on Prince Street in Lancaster, just a block away from Penn Square and Central Market, and steps from the famed Gallery Row. Parking can be found across Prince Street in a surface parking lot, or just down the street in the Prince Street parking garage.
Venue Spaces
One of the last buildings designed by world-renowned architect Philip Johnson, the Ware Center was completed in 2008. Among the classrooms and gallery spaces, the facility venues include the 350-seat Steinman Hall, boasting state-of-the-art sound and acoustics designed by acoustical engineering legend Cyril M. Harris, befitting a world-class performance facility. In addition, the Ware Center boasts two other stunning performing arts spaces which host more intimate events — the Owen Grand Salon, which offers a beautiful view overlooking Prince Street and the Lancaster Central Market, and the stunning glass pyramid-topped Atrium. Originally built for the Pennsylvania Academy of Music, the facility was acquired by Millersville University in 2010 and houses the Office of Visual & Performing Arts.
The Regitz Gallery, located on the mezzanine level, is home to exhibits by local and regional artists that rotate monthly. Curated by the staff of the Office of Visual and Performing Arts, the exhibits typically open each First Friday. Additional exhibits are occasionally on display in the Lyet Lobby of the building. Gallery exhibits may be viewed Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The gallery offers extended hours during public shows or events.
Venue Accessibility
We are a fully accessible facility that can accommodate any special seating, audio/visual, or access request. Contact our Box Office for questions or to make a request. Or, learn more about our Accessibility Services.
Concert & Event Venue Rentals
Box Office Hours
Monday-Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
One hour prior to performance.
Parking
Event parking at the Ware Center can be found at the Prince Street Garage or the Colonial Parking surface lot, both of which are within a block of our facility.
For students taking classes at the Ware Center, you can ride the bus to downtown Lancaster for free. Students who have a valid campus parking permit may park for free in the Prince Street Garage.
Learn more about courses and parking for students on the Millersville University website.
