Explore Arts, Entertainment and Science At The Washington Pavilion In Sioux Falls, SD

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Sioux Falls isn’t usually on the family’s must visit vacation hot spots, but if you are traveling through South Dakota I highly recommend a stop at the state’s largest city and the Washington Pavilion.

I spent time in the city during a conference and was able to explore and find so many fun things to do.

Visiting the Washing Pavilion in downtown Sioux Falls is a must when you’re in town.

Washington Pavillion
(c)Washington Pavilion

{This is part 1 of a 5 part series about must-do activities in Sioux Falls: Washington Pavilion, Great Plains Zoo & Delbridge Museum of Natural History, Outdoor Campus, Butterfly House & Marine Cove, and Falls Park}

The Washington Pavilion, once known as Washington High School, sat empty for years before a few community members decided to put it to good use.

After a complete remodel Washington High School was transformed into Washington Pavilion and today is an Art Center, Science Discover Center, and Performing Art Center all in one.

washington pavillion
(c)Washington Pavilion

VISUAL ARTS CENTER

The Visual Arts Center has visiting exhibits as well as permanent exhibits. The visiting exhibits are rotated every couple months so there is always something new and interesting to see. There is an amazing paper crane display made up of well over 1,000 cranes that is on permanent display.

I think my favorite permanent rotating exhibit is the “Off The Fridge” project. Area school children are invited to submit their art work which is then framed and displayed around the Visual Arts Center.

Under their work of art is a small plaque stating the name of the art work and the student’s school. I bet the kids get a kick out of seeing their work on the walls of an art museum!

KIRBY SCIENCE DISCOVERY CENTER

The Kirby Science Discovery Center offers over 100 hands-on interactive exhibits that range from exploring space to making music. The Science Discovery Center has something for all ages. The center also offers a unique movie experience at the Cinedome theater.

The theater boasts a 60 foot wide and four story tall movie screen with enough speakers to make you feel like you are part of the movie. 

Performance Center Washington Pavillion
(c)Washington Pavilion

PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

The Performing Arts Center brings in a wide array of theater and musical talents. Everything from Broadway musicals to top performing artists.

Quite honestly, after touring the theater I don’t think there is a “bad” seat in the house so even if you bought the cheap tickets you’d still love the performance.

Sculpture Walk Washington Pavillion
(c)Washington Pavilion

Sculpture Walk Visitor Center

The Washington Pavilion host the SculptureWalk Visitor Center on the second floor lobby near the entrance to the Visual Arts Center.

Start your SculptureWalk journey at the Washington Pavilion with sculpture #1 “Birds Eye View” by Clark Martinek inside the SculptureWalk Visitor Center. SculptureWalk ends outside the Washington Pavilion with sculpture #80 “Ancient Game” by Steven Maeck.

Location:

301 S Main Ave Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Pin Why You Should Visit Washington Pavilion 

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6 Comments

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  4. That looks like a fun place. I love to see zebras!

  5. My children would love this.

  6. Pingback: Great Plains Zoo & Delbridge Museum of Natural History | Just Short of Crazy

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