Century II Performing Arts & Convention Center
In Wichita, Kansas, the Century II Performing Arts & Convention Center offers both performing arts and conference services. Since its completion in 1969, this vast building has been an integral part of Wichita’s cultural life.
The building was designed by John Hickman and Associates and constructed in the Brutalist style. The building’s most prominent feature is its 330-foot-tall blue dome, which serves as the facility’s focal point. The dome has both an aesthetic and functional purpose, as it houses the Exhibition Hall and Ballroom, both of which are utilized for large-scale events.
The Century II Performing Arts & Convention Center features several performance venues, including the Concert Hall, Mary Jane Teall Theater, and Exhibition Hall. The Concert Hall is the facility’s main performance area, with seating for up to 2,200 spectators. Over the years, this venue has hosted a variety of events, including concerts, Broadway musicals, and dance performances.
The Mary Jane Teall Theater is a smaller venue that may accommodate up to 650 individuals. This area is utilized for a wide range of events, including plays, recitals, and smaller musical concerts. Under the blue dome, the Exhibition Hall is a multipurpose space that can be adapted for a variety of events, such as trade exhibitions, conventions, and banquets.
The WaterWalk Pavilion, the outdoor performance space of the Century II Performing Arts & Convention Center, is one of its distinguishing characteristics. This venue is situated just outside the main building and offers a stage and seating for up to 4,000 visitors. The WaterWalk Pavilion has hosted several events, such as concerts, festivals, and film screenings.
The Century II Performing Arts & Convention Center includes a variety of convention and meeting rooms in addition to its performing areas. The Exhibition Hall, the Conference Rooms, and the Bob Brown Expo Hall comprise these areas. The Bob Brown Expo Hall is the facility’s largest event space, with approximately 28,000 square feet that can be customized to host a variety of events.
Not only is the Century II Performing Arts & Convention Center a cultural hub for Wichita, but it is also a significant economic generator. Each year, thousands of guests attend events, seminars, and trade exhibits at the convention center. These tourists not only benefit the local economy but also help market Wichita as a cultural and entertainment destination.
In recent years, despite its significance to the city, the Century II Performing Arts & Convention Center has had difficulties. The structure is approximately 50 years old and requires extensive repairs and improvements. In addition, the center has struggled in recent years to recruit and maintain events, which has strained its budget.
In response to these obstacles, the city of Wichita has begun an evaluation of the Century II Performing Arts and Convention Center’s future. The research will evaluate possibilities for modernizing or replacing the facility, as well as the possibility of forming partnerships with private entities to administer the center.
The Century II Performing Arts & Convention Center’s future is uncertain, yet it remains an important cultural institution in Wichita. Over the years, the center has held innumerable performances, events, and conventions, and has played a vital part in the city’s economic and cultural growth. As the city continues its investigation, it will be crucial to explore how to maintain and improve this vital facility for future generations.