Updated: 10/20/2021 
Cedarhurst Center for the Arts
Mount Vernon, Illinois
Description

Discover Cedarhurst, and be amazed by the vast number of opportunities and events for all ages and interests...including you! Nurture your talents or learn something new at the Shrode Art Center. Bring your family to play and learn in our interactive Beck Family Center. Browse Cedarhurst's five art galleries and enjoy the ever-changing variety of exhibitions. Savor the sounds that fill the acoustic performance hall from a variety of talented musicians. Take a walk through the nationally recognized Goldman-Kuenz Sculpture Park, and drink in the beauty of Southern Illinois!

Mission

To generate enthusiastic participation in and support for the visual and performing arts in Mt. Vernon, southern Illinois and the surrounding region, and to provide opportunities for enjoyment of the arts and increased awareness, understanding, and appreciation for the arts.

History

An extraordinary personal art collection was the reason John and Eleanor Mitchell planned a museum in rural southern Illinois. The museum was built to house the couple’s collection of late 19th and early 20th century American paintings and artifacts. The significant collection included works from their friend and fellow collector John Parish, of Centralia. The Mitchells acquired their artwork over three decades, the result of suave business practices, luck, and adventurous exploration. In 1965, they established the Mitchell Foundation to build the Mitchell Museum at Cedarhurst and create an institution that would continue to evolve into the premier art and cultural facility in southern Illinois. The Mitchell Museum opened in 1973 to enrich the lives of southern Illinois residents. Both John and Eleanor died before the museum was completed, but their legacy lives on, bringing the arts to life for all people who visit this unique oasis of art and nature that is Cedarhurst Center for the Arts.

Programs

Youth themed exhibitions, children's art classes, docent program, gallery tours, school tours + art project ($1.50/each student), in-school art lessons, school performing arts, free online lesson plans/art projects/posters and scavenger hunts.

Facilities
Mitchell Museum:

4 galleries, performance hall with stage & piano, grand corridor, commercial kitchen, offices and conference room.

Shrode Art Center:

1 gallery, ceramics studio, 2 art classrooms, offices.

Mitchell House:

Closed to the public, available for facility rentals.

Schweinfurth House:

Closed to the public, available for facility rentals. Performing Space with Piano, Kitchen, Conference Room, outdoor patio/courtyard, and pond with fountain.

Sculpture Park:

Nearly 80 acres with 70+ large scale sculptures featuring 2 ponds with fountains, natural wooded areas and walking trails.

Performance Areas
Services
FACILITY RENTALS AT CEDARHURST

Cedarhurst Center for the Arts is a cultural mecca spread over 80 acres. Our beautiful buildings and picturesque property create the perfect setting for all types of events. Four different venues offer different style and sizing capacities, and our friendly events team helps ensure your event comes to life just the way you imagine. To learn more about our rates and venues, or contact at rentals@cedarhurst.org | 618-242-1236 ext. 222.

WORK WEEK RENTALS

Cedarhurst strives to be a partner to regional businesses and support community development. Museum facilities have hosted training seminars, community luncheons, company retreats, and even mid-sized conferences.

SPECIAL EVENT RENTALS

Cedarhurst aims to make all events unique and memorable. Museum facilities have hosted weddings, Christmas parties, class reunions, baby showers, and more.

Event Rental
Group Tours
Hours of Operation
Tuesday - Saturday10 AM - 5 PM
Sunday1 PM - 5 PM
Mondayclosed

Closed Mondays & National Holidays

Extended Hours: Memorial Day - Labor Day
Tuesday - Wednesday, Friday - Saturday10 AM - 5 PM
Thursday10 AM - 8 PM
Sunday1 PM - 5 PM
Mondayclosed

Closed Mondays & National Holidays

Admission
Museum Type(s)
DISCLAIMER
This information, including business hours, addresses and contact information is provided for general reference purposes only. No representation is made or warranty is given as to its content or the reliability thereof. User assumes all risk of use. Stories USA, Inc. and its content suppliers assume no responsibility for any loss or delay resulting from such use. Please call ahead to verify the dates, the location and directions.

MUSEUM CONFERENCES

2025 Tennessee Association of Museums Conference: HOPE

March 11 - 14, 2025

Knoxville, Tennessee

Virginia Association of Museum's 2025 Annual Conference!

March 15 - 18, 2025

Blacksburg, Virginia

Ohio Museum Asociation 2025 Annual Conference - Athens

March 29 - 31, 2025

Athens, Ohio

North Carolina Museums Council 2025 Annual Conference

March 30 - 31, 2025

Raleigh, North Carolina

Arkansas Museums Association 2025 Conference

March 31 - April 3, 2025

Washington, Arkansas

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