History

The Lesher Center for the Arts began in 1967 as the Nuthouse, a performance and gallery complex located in the old Walnut Growers Warehouse on Locust Street. The community responded enthusiastically to the Nuthouse, and it soon became clear that this thriving arts center needed room to grow.

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Following 15 years of planning and fundraising, and thanks to the vision and creative energy of the entire community, the $21 million facility officially opened on October 4, 1990 with a gala celebration featuring Bob Hope, Joel Grey, Diahann Carroll and Vic Damone.

Dean and Margaret Lesher surrounded by their family

Bob Hope performed at the Center’s opening on October 4, 1990

Bill Armstrong dedicated the Center on opening day in 1990.

Fireworks reach skyward in celebration of the Center’s five-year anniversary and re-dedication on October 2, 1995

The Center has since grown into an exciting destination for performance experiences of every kind, attracting more than a quarter of a million visitors every year.

Construction photos: Brad Rovanpera