Eugene Arts & Culture
A City For The Arts
Creative expression is the heartbeat of Eugene. Art pulses through the city's neighborhoods and streets. It might be a formal affair like an opera or symphony or it could be the elaborately painted bus heading to the Oregon Country Fair. Sometimes it blossoms in an artist's home studio and sometimes it explodes as a flash mob in Kesey Square - however art and culture manifests, small or large, quiet or loud - in Eugene there is a lot of it!
Go Eugene
Visually, you can see that this town is far from ordinary. From large, whimsically painted ducks to classic bronze sculptures commemorating Rosa Parks, Eugene Skinner (the town's founder) and author Ken Kesey, a diversity of media gives expression to Eugene.
Public art pops up on traffic boxes, sidewalk "parklet" installations or as dramatic murals on the sides of buildings. The 20x21 Mural Project is commissioning 20 world-class murals to be painted prior to the 2021 IAAF World Championships (hosted by Eugene). Every year, the EUGfun program packs the summer with free public events showcasing the community's diverse arts from dance troupes to musicians to film screenings. The city has also been known to display pianos in public spaces, inspiring impromptu concerts by passersby. Why all this love for public art? In 1981, the City of Eugene made a commitment to the arts through the Percent for Art Ordinance which charges local government with the support and development of artists.
Art Hubs
The Hult Center for the Performing Arts houses numerous resident companies including opera, symphony, ballet and concert choir. This performing arts powerhouse also hosts touring headliners, Broadway musicals, radio redux, concerts and comedy. The University of Oregon has strong performing and visual arts programs, as well as being home to the esteemed Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art and The Museum of Natural and Cultural History. Fresh ideas flow forth from the colleges and community theaters.
Art Happenings
Eugene attracts a lot of international attention for its many arts and cultural events. The Oregon Bach Festival dives deep into Bach. The Eugene International Film Festival explores independent films and the region's outstanding Oregon Asian Celebration is a vibrant cultural experience that you'll never forget. Each summer, Art and The Vineyard pairs fine art with local wine to benefit the Maude Kerns Art Center. Year-round the Saturday Market showcases hand crafted artistry and the Lane Arts Council sponsors monthly art walks in downtown. Rub shoulders with plein air artists and buskers at markets, craft fairs and celebrations.
Eugene Museums & Theaters
Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art at the University of Oregon
Established in 1933, the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art (JSMA) is a family-friendly destination that provides innovative exhibits and programs. With four major exhibitions yearly and galleries devoted to art from Asia, America and elsewhere, there is always something new to see.
- 1430 Johnson Ln, Eugene OR 97403
- P: 541.346.3027 Book Now
The Museum of Natural and Cultural History
- 1680 E 15th Ave, Eugene OR 97403
- P: 541.346.3024 Book Now
Maude Kerns Art Center
Enjoy art and art making at Maude Kerns Art Center! The Center presents 10 exhibits annually, including Día de los Muertos, the Annual Membership Art Show, and the ever popular Jell-O Art Show. See some of the best of Oregon artists working in a variety of media. Visit our outstanding gift shop featuring items made by members of the Art Center.
The Maude Kerns Art Center also offers year-round classes and workshops for all ages.
Event space is available to rent for your upcoming reception, lecture, or arts event..
- 1910 E 15th Ave, Eugene OR 97403
- P: 541.345.1571 Book Now
Lane County History Museum
- 740 W 13th Ave, Eugene OR 97402
- P: 541.682.4242 Book Now
Oregon Air & Space Museum
- 90377 Boeing Dr, Eugene OR 97402
- P: 541.461.1101 Book Now
Shelton McMurphey Johnson House
- 303 Willamette St, Eugene OR 97401
- P: 541.484.0808 Book Now
Hult Center for the Performing Arts
- 7th Ave & Willamette St, Eugene OR 97401
- P: 541.682.5000 Book Now
The John G. Shedd Institute for the Arts
- 868 High St, Eugene OR 97401
- P: 541.434.7000 Book Now
Cuthbert Amphitheater
- Day Island Rd, Eugene OR 97401
- P: 541.762.8099 Book Now
McDonald Theatre
- 1010 Willamette St, Eugene OR 97401
- P: 541.345.4442 Book Now
The Jazz Station
- 124 W Broadway, Eugene OR 97401
- P: 458.205.1030 Book Now
Eugene Ballet
- Eugene OR 97401
- P: 541.485.3992 Book Now
Ballet Fantastique
- 960 Oak St, Eugene OR 97401
- P: 541.342.4611 Book Now
Eugene Symphony
- Eugene OR 97401
- P: 541.687.9487 Book Now
Eugene Concert Choir
- Eugene OR 97401
- P: 541.687.6865 Book Now
Fred Crafts' Radio Redux
- Eugene OR 97405
- P: 541.343.4251 Book Now
The Very Little Theatre
- 2350 Hilyard St, Eugene OR 97405
- P: 541.344.7751 Book Now
Actors Cabaret of Eugene
- 996 Willamette St, Eugene OR 97401
- P: 541.683.4368 Book Now
Lane Arts Council
- 1590 Willamette St Ste 200, Eugene OR 97401
- P: 541.485.2278 Book Now