The Irving Arts Center: A Vibrant Hub for Arts and Culture in North Texas

Located at 3333 N. MacArthur Blvd., Irving, TX 75062, the Irving Arts Center is a Smithsonian-affiliated visual and performing arts facility in the heart of the Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex. This 10-acre complex serves as a dynamic community gathering place, offering more than 91,500 square feet of space dedicated to theaters, galleries, classrooms, reception areas, rehearsal facilities, and a sculpture garden. It welcomes visitors of all ages with free gallery access, professional performances, educational programs, and opportunities for creative engagement.

History and Development

The Irving Arts Center traces its origins to 1980, when philanthropists Ben and Betty Carpenter donated six acres of land to the City of Irving with the vision of creating a dedicated home for the community’s arts organizations. That same year, the Irving City Council established the City of Irving Arts Board—an 11-member body appointed by the council and funded in part by local hotel occupancy tax revenue—to encourage arts activities and oversee the center’s development.

The first phase of the facility opened in April 1986, featuring administrative offices, meeting rooms, and the approximately 3,800-square-foot Main Gallery. The complex was fully completed in 1990 with the addition of its two primary theaters. In 1995, the city acquired an adjacent gas station property, which was demolished to make way for a sculpture garden and expanded parking. In 2007, the Irving Arts Center became a Smithsonian Institution Affiliate—one of roughly 160 such affiliates nationwide—enhancing its ability to present traveling exhibitions and educational resources.

Facilities

The center’s two fully equipped theaters form the core of its performing arts offerings:

• Carpenter Performance Hall (also referred to as Carpenter Hall): A 711-seat venue known for its intimate yet sophisticated atmosphere, featuring soft glowing glass bricks and plush seating. It hosts major orchestral concerts, musical performances, and larger theatrical productions.
• Dupree Theater: A more intimate 257-seat space ideal for plays, smaller concerts, and community events.

Visual arts spaces include five galleries that rotate exhibitions of local, regional, and national artists, as well as traveling shows from the Smithsonian and other affiliates. The Main Gallery (about 3,800 square feet) presents more than 20 exhibits annually. Additional galleries include the Focus Gallery, Dupree Lobby Gallery, Carpenter Hall Lobby, and Courtyard Gallery. All galleries are free and open to the public Tuesday through Saturday from noon to 5 p.m.; no reservations are required.

The complex also features meeting and classroom spaces, reception halls, rehearsal rooms, and a verdant outdoor sculpture garden. Facilities are ADA-compliant, with accessible seating and hearing-assist devices available in the theaters (contact the box office for details).

Resident Arts Organizations

The Irving Arts Center serves as home to a group of independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit cultural organizations. These resident groups operate under their own boards, set their own programs and policies, and produce a wide range of performances, exhibitions, and educational activities. They receive support and facility access through the Irving Arts Board’s Resident Arts Fund. Current or historically listed resident organizations have included the Las Colinas Symphony Orchestra, Irving Symphony Orchestra, New Philharmonic Orchestra of Irving, Lyric Stage / MainStage Irving-Las Colinas, Irving Symphonic Band, Momentum Dance Company, Entertainment Series of Irving, Irving Chorale, Irving Black Arts Council, and Irving Art Association (exact current roster may vary slightly).

These organizations, along with numerous rental clients, fill the center’s calendar with orchestral concerts, theater productions, dance performances, jazz and variety shows, art exhibitions, and community events.

Programs, Education, and Community Engagement

Beyond performances and exhibitions, the Irving Arts Center offers extensive educational and family programming. Offerings include free First Saturday Guided Gallery Tours, monthly Lunch & Learn artist talks, Saturday School art classes for children, Second Sunday Funday activities, open studio sessions for teens, homeschooler programs, and special events such as Ovation Fest! celebrating local arts. Youth and family programs emphasize hands-on art-making, storytelling, and interactive experiences designed to inspire creativity across generations.

The center also supports membership programs like Art Connection, which provides exclusive opportunities for visual artists and art enthusiasts, including non-juried member exhibitions.

Visiting Information

• Address: 3333 N. MacArthur Blvd., Irving, TX 75062
• Gallery Hours: Tuesday–Saturday, noon–5 p.m. (free admission)
• Box Office Hours: Tuesday–Saturday, noon–5 p.m., and one hour prior to performances. Phone: (972) 252-2787 (ARTS)
• Administration Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Phone: (972) 252-7558
• Website: irvingartscenter.com for tickets, event calendars, exhibition details, and more

The Irving Arts Center continues to fulfill its mission of serving Irving residents and attracting visitors by providing accessible, high-quality artistic opportunities. Whether attending a symphony performance in Carpenter Hall, exploring free galleries, participating in a family workshop, or simply strolling the sculpture garden, visitors find a welcoming space that celebrates creativity and community connection in the heart of North Texas.