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We are the Midtown Cultural Arts & Entertainment District established by the state of TX.
We also have an Entertainment Zone established by the COH!
Located between Downtown and The Texas Medical Center, this lively area boasts over 40 art venues and 90 arts organizations. With its eclectic mix of chef-owned restaurants, coffee shops, and nightlife, the district offers a rich tapestry of cultural experiences, providing countless opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture.
From engaging with public art and attending performances to enjoying unique dining and social activities, the Midtown Cultural Arts and Entertainment District creates a welcoming environment where you can explore new experiences, relax in vibrant spaces, and connect with the community.
Beginning in the summer of 2011, a plan for Midtown Houston was developed to ensure that cultural arts and entertainment are inclusive of all forms of expression, and that diverse programs and projects are accessible to everyone. Midtown Houston was the first Management District in the state to earn a Cultural Arts and Entertainment District designation by the Texas Commission on the Arts (TCA), awarded September 2012.
Located between Downtown and The Texas Medical Center, this magnetic, urban mixed-use neighborhood in the heart of the city features more than 40 art venues, 90 arts organizations, an eclectic mix of chef-owned restaurants, coffee shops and nightlife options. Bike to a park, sip a craft cocktail, walk your dog, take in a play, throw a few darts, sample some sweets, savor unique art, and learn to dance. We’ve got it all!
Discover Houston’s thriving Cultural Arts Districts and the vibrant creativity they bring to our city!
Cultural districts are special zones that harness the power of cultural resources to stimulate economic development and community vitality. These districts can become focal points for generating businesses, strengthening employment opportunities, attracting tourists, stimulating cultural development and fostering civic pride.
Cultural districts such as the Midtown Cultural Arts and Entertainment District which is associated with the Redevelopment Authority can be part of creative placemaking or placekeeping efforts. It’s important to remember that TCA cultural district designation is most likely to be awarded to a district that is already defined in terms of leadership, geographic boundaries, branding, and current assets.
Midtown is the most pedestrian-friendly neighborhood in Houston so once you get here, we don’t believe you do. Between Zipcar, the METRORail, the B-Cycles and walking, we’ve got it covered. Our walkscore is 86. We’re the #1 walkable community in Houston.
Please find a list of places to park in Midtown here.
Yes. There are a few here. And our list isn’t complete; we would love it if you let us know where you discover more.
Take the Preston Southbound METRORail.
Home to an array of street art, Midtown’s public art offerings add charm and character to the community. These murals not only beautify our streets, they also create jobs for local artists and drive economic growth. Come explore how these artistic treasures turn common spaces into visual celebrations.
A Public Art Project Coming To Houston. Discover the powerful narratives of resilience and community through art and storytelling with HueMan:Shelter.
3400 Main St. Ste. 297, Houston, TX 77002
3907 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002
The historic Heinen Theatre, the jewel of Houston Community College’s Central College campus, is an elegant and intimate venue that reflects its Art Deco charm with stunning stained-glass skylights. Originally designed by renowned architect Joseph Finger the building opened in 1924 as Temple Beth Israel in 1924. Decades later, it became the first home of the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts. Now a Recorded Texas Historical Landmark, the theater continues to be a beloved space for the performing arts community, offering a well-equipped, affordable performance venue for a wide range of productions.
3517 Austin St., Houston, TX 77004
The Central Visual Arts Gallery is located on the Central College campus of Houston Community College. For over 30 seasons, the gallery has been a hub for artistic expression, featuring exhibitions by local, national, and international artists across various mediums. The gallery provides a platform for both established and emerging artists. It continues to serve as an educational resource and cultural destination for art lovers and students alike.
3517 Austin. Houston, TX 77004
4916 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002
3400 Main Street, Suite 285, Houston, TX 77002
3400 Main Street, Suite 1, Houston, TX 77002
NobleMotion Dance (NMD) is one of Texas’ premier dance companies, known for its high-energy performances and innovative collaborations across the arts and sciences. Since its founding in 2009, NMD has earned Houston’s Best Dance Company title multiple times and garnered national attention, including a feature on the Emmy Award-winning show American Crime. The company has a reputation for integrating cutting-edge technology and light artistry into emotionally compelling performances that resonate with diverse audiences. NMD’s mission is to create work that fosters dialogue, inclusivity, and understanding through the power of dance.
3400 Main Street, Suite 5, Houston, TX 77002
3400 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002
Midtown Arts & Theater Center Houston, 3400 Main St., Houston, TX 77002
Founded in 2001, the Houston Center for Contemporary Craft (HCCC) works to advance the understanding of contemporary craft through exhibitions, educational programming, and artist support. HCCC highlights art made from diverse craft materials like clay, fiber, glass, metal, and wood, fostering a welcoming environment for visitors of all ages. As one of Houston’s key arts institutions, HCCC emphasizes inclusivity and respect for all individuals, regardless of background.
4848 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002
3400 Main Street, Suite 292, Houston, Texas 77002
Located in the iconic Isabella Court building, the Isabella Valise/Devin Borden Gallery offers a unique and personalized art experience. The gallery features fine and decorative arts, operates on select days and is available for viewings by appointment. They also provide a versatile meeting space for special events.
3913 Main Street, Houston, Texas 77002
3901 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002
The Ion, 4111 Fannin St. Houston, TX 77004
The Buffalo Soldiers National Museum (BSNM) honors the legacy of African American service members by showcasing their stories and contributions through visual arts, performances, educational programs, and exhibitions. Dedicated to preserving the history and traditions of the Buffalo Soldiers, BSNM highlights the role of African American men and women from the Revolutionary War to present-day military conflicts. By sharing these stories, the museum seeks to build pride, patriotism, and a deeper public understanding of their vital role in shaping the nation.
3816 Caroline St., Houston, TX 77004
The Ensemble Theatre, founded in 1976 by George Hawkins, is the oldest and largest professional African American theatre in the Southwest. Located in Houston’s Midtown Arts District, it produces contemporary and classical works portraying the African American experience, with over 15 world premieres and 100 regional premieres. The theatre also engages over 30,000 youth annually through educational programs and workshops. Nationally recognized, The Ensemble has received numerous awards for its contributions to Black theatre and American culture.
3535 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002
3402 Crawford Street, Houston, TX 77004
First Thursday on Mid Main is a lively monthly block party hosted by the businesses of Mid Main and Mid Main Lofts. This community event brings together live music, art shows, and special offers, creating a vibrant atmosphere in the heart of Midtown Houston. With a focus on supporting local nonprofits, First Thursday events feature collaborations with organizations such as the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston, blending culture and philanthropy. Attendees can enjoy complimentary drinks and explore rotating exhibitions.
3500-3700 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002
Gallery Sonja Roesch specializes in contemporary reductive and concept-based art, representing both emerging and established international artists. Known for exhibits of large-scale sculptures by artists such as Mac Whitney and John Clement, the gallery also features works by notable figures like Jac Leirner, David Simpson, and local talents like Myke Venable. Founded in Germany in 1991 and relocated to Houston in 1996, the gallery continues to promote minimalist aesthetics and strong programming.
2309 Caroline Street | Houston, TX 77004
3400 Main Street HOU TX 77002
3400 Main Street, Houston TX 77002
4912 Main Street, Houston, Texas 77002
2403 Milam St., Houston, TX 77006
Midtown Houston maintains associations with over 100 arts organizations, representing a remarkable leap from the 24 groups that called Midtown home in 2011. This impressive growth is a direct result of Midtown’s designation as a State of Texas Cultural Arts District, the first management district in Texas to achieve such recognition. Awarded in 2012, the Cultural Arts District designation from the Texas Commission on the Arts has been pivotal in fueling our economy, contributing $161 million, and creating and supporting over 4,300 jobs.
We deeply understand the significant impact that cultural and public art have on enhancing community wellbeing and driving economic development. As we move forward, Midtown remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering an environment where creativity and innovation flourish, ensuring that the arts continue to play a significant role in our community’s vitality and success.
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