Washington Pavilion of Arts and Science facts for kids
The Washington Pavilion of Arts and Science is a cool place in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, United States. It opened in 1999. This amazing building has an art gallery, a concert hall, a huge movie screen, and a fun science museum. The building itself is very old and used to be Washington High School. It's even listed on the National Register of Historic Places because it's so important!
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
Washington High School
|
|
 Location in South Dakota
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | 315 S. Main, Sioux Falls, South Dakota |
|---|---|
| Area | 1 acre (0.40 ha) |
| Built | 1908 |
| Architect | Joseph Schwartz et al. |
| Architectural style | Classical Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 86000248 |
| Added to NRHP | February 13, 1986 |
Contents
A Look Back: The Building's History
The Washington Pavilion is located in a building that was once a high school. This school, called Washington High School, moved to a new location. Then, the old building was beautifully updated to become the Pavilion we see today.
Building Design and Materials
The building has a special design style called Neoclassical. It was designed by an architect from Sioux Falls named Joseph Schwartz. The outside of the building is made from large blocks of a pinkish rock. This rock is called Sioux Quartzite. You can find this type of rock naturally in the area. It's even seen at the famous falls of the Big Sioux River. A small part of the building's north side is made of a dark rock. This dark rock is a type of hardened liquid magma. The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1986. This means it's a very important historical site.
What's Inside the Pavilion?
The Washington Pavilion is packed with exciting things to do and see! It has a science center, places for shows, and art galleries.
Explore Science: Kirby Science Discovery Center
One of the main attractions is the Kirby Science Discovery Center. This is a huge, three-floor science center. It's full of hands-on exhibits. You can explore and learn about science in a fun way.
Enjoy the Arts: Performing Arts Centers
The Pavilion also has two places for live shows. These are called performing arts centers. Many different shows happen here. You can see Broadway plays, operas, dance performances, and concerts. The South Dakota Symphony performs here. Other groups also use these spaces for smaller plays and singing events.
See Amazing Art: Visual Arts Center
The Visual Arts Center is another great part of the Pavilion. It has seven different galleries. These galleries show changing exhibits. There is also the Egger gallery. It displays a collection of art from Native American tribes of the Northern Plains. The Visual Arts Center shows art from local artists. It also features art from across the country. Sometimes, very famous art shows come here. Past exhibits have included works by artists like Rodin and Andy Warhol. You can also join in public programs. These include movies, talks, and art workshops. The Visual Arts Center is free to visit on Tuesdays. It's also free on Saturday mornings. And it's free on the first Friday evening of every month. Otherwise, there is a small fee to enter.
Experience the Sweetman Planetarium
The Wells Fargo Cinedome used to be a large, round movie theater. It had a 60-foot dome screen. Many different films were shown there each year. In 2023, the Washington Pavilion started updating this area. It has now become the Sweetman Planetarium. This new planetarium offers amazing shows about space and stars.
Rent a Space
Almost every part of the Pavilion can be rented. People use the spaces for business meetings. They also hold weddings, parties, and big conventions here.
External Links
- Pavilion website
