Mosesian Center for the Arts facts for kids

The Dorothy and Charles Mosesian Center for the Arts is a special place in Watertown, Massachusetts, where people can enjoy and create art. It used to be called the Arsenal Center for the Arts. This center is built on land that was once part of the Watertown Arsenal, a former Army base.

The main part of the center is the Charles Mosesian Theater, which has 380 seats. This theater is a "proscenium" theater, meaning it has a stage that looks like a picture frame. The center also has a smaller, flexible "black box" theater, classrooms for art lessons, studios for artists to work in, and galleries to show art. The Mosesian Center is home to the New Repertory Theatre and the Watertown Children's Theatre, which put on many shows.

History of the Arts Center

Early Ideas for an Arts Center

People in Watertown first started thinking about having an arts center way back in the 1970s. However, they couldn't raise enough money at that time, so the idea was put on hold.

Starting the Project in 1998

The idea for the center came back to life in 1998. A group called Watertown Arts on the Charles, or WATCH, was formed. This group worked hard to raise money and make the arts center a reality.

Finding the Perfect Location

In 1999, WATCH did a study to see if Watertown was a good place for a new arts center. The study showed that it would be a great spot for a center that could serve Watertown and nearby towns. The group chose an old building, number 321, on the former Army base property. A company called O'Neill properties bought the land from the town. They promised to give 15,000 square feet (about 1,394 square meters) of space and $1 million to help build the center.

Raising Money for Construction

At first, people thought the center would cost about $2.5 million to $4 million to build. But the final cost ended up being around $7.5 million. Most of the money came from donations from the community. The town of Watertown gave $1 million. A local business person named Charles Mosesian also donated $1 million. The main theater is named after him because of his generous gift.

Opening Day in 2005

After many years of raising money and building, the Dorothy and Charles Mosesian Center for the Arts finally opened its doors in the summer of 2005. It has been a busy and creative place ever since!

Images for kids

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  The Dorothy and Charles Mosesian Center for the Arts