The Riverside Arts Center is a “multi-purpose cultural arts venue providing performance, exhibit, studio and reception space for artists and arts and cultural organizations to enrich the Ypsilanti community through the arts and cultural experiences.”

Thank you, Visit Ypsi Now,  for making the above video! We love it.

The Building

The front facade of the Riverside Arts Center (RAC) as seen from Pearl Street.

Located just to the right of the RAC is the former DTE Building, now christened the RAC Off-Center. Between a “Cool Cities” grant and the elevator project this facility provides additional gallery and studio space.

Site of a former car wash, the space to the left of the RAC has been transformed into an inviting plaza. Stairs at the rear of the plaza connect with Riverside Park.

The Theater

The Theater lobby has been remodeled (pictures 6-9). Our “new” theater box office was salvaged from UM’s Hill Auditorium during a recent renovation. A big thank you to the Ypsilanti Heritage Foundation for a generous grant to allow this important preservation project to occur!

The intimate black box theatre space provides a great setting for both actor and audience member alike. The air conditioned space has been most recently used in the summer months for drama camps aimed at both early and later elementary grades. We have both weekly and single day rental rates. Please leave your inquiries at (734) 480-ARTS.

The Gallery

Exhibits generally change every month at Riverside Arts Center. We have one of the largest exhibit spaces in Washtenaw county. (Pictures 10-12)

Located at the rear of the Gallery is a newly-renovated catering kitchen and a new wheelchair-accessible restroom.

The Off Center

The DTE building, located on the other side of the Elevator, is now the “annex” to RAC and called the Off Center. The main floor is hosting a classroom and is also used for the Art Adventures program.

The Dance Studio is on the second floor and is shared by classes for Ballet dance and Yoga.