Bath House Cultural Center facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bath House Cultural Center |
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The center glowing at night.
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| Location | Dallas, Texas |
| Built | 1930 |
| Architectural style(s) | Art Deco |
| Official name: White Rock Bath House | |
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The Bath House Cultural Center is a special place for art and performances located on the shore of White Rock Lake in Dallas, Texas. It was the very first neighborhood cultural center created by the City of Dallas Office of Cultural Affairs to bring art to the community. It's a hub of creativity for the entire city, especially for people living in east Dallas.
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History
The building, now a historic Dallas Landmark, was built in 1930. It was designed in the cool and stylish Art Deco style, which was very popular at the time. It was one of the first buildings of its kind in the southwestern United States.
When it first opened, it was called the Municipal Bath House. It was a popular spot for the people of Dallas to escape the hot summer sun. The building had locker rooms, and a sandy beach stretched right into the lake, making it a perfect place for swimming.
However, in 1958, the city needed to use White Rock Lake as a source of drinking water, so swimming was no longer allowed. The Bath House closed down and sat empty for more than 20 years.
Then, in 1980, a group of people from the Dallas City Arts Program and the local community decided to save the old building. They worked together to fix it up and give it a new life as the city's first neighborhood cultural center.
The Center Today
Today, the Bath House Cultural Center is a busy place that supports local artists and theater groups. Each year, it hosts dozens of art exhibits and more than 200 performances, concerts, festivals, and classes.
Some of the building's cool features include:
- A large art gallery for artists to show their work.
- A "black box" theater, which is a simple, small space perfect for plays and concerts.
- An outdoor stage, or amphitheater, for performances under the sky.
- The Water Theatre, a unique outdoor art piece that attracts birds and other wildlife.
White Rock Lake Museum
Inside the cultural center, you can also find the White Rock Lake Museum, which opened in 2004. This small museum teaches visitors about the history of the park and the lake. You can learn about local animals, the Blackland Prairie ecosystem, and the Native American groups who lived in the area long ago.
Fun Events and Festivals
The Bath House is famous for its fun events that happen all year long.
Every summer, it hosts the Festival of Independent Theatres. This festival gives small theater groups in Dallas, who don't have their own building, a chance to perform for a large audience. It has become one of the center's most popular events.
Twice a year, in the spring and fall, the center holds an Art Mart. This event is like a big market for art, featuring about 40 different artists from Texas. You can see all kinds of art, from paintings and photos to sculptures and jewelry. There is also music, food, and fun activities.
Other Dallas Cultural Centers
- Dallas City Performance Hall in the Arts District
- Ice House Cultural Center in north Oak Cliff
- Juanita Craft Civil Rights House in south Dallas
- Latino Cultural Center in Deep Ellum
- Meyerson Symphony Center in the Arts District
- South Dallas Cultural Center in south Dallas
