As stunning as the natural beauty in Niagara Falls is, there’s even more to discover inside museums, galleries, and at public art spaces. Don’t forget musical sensations and theater to round out your days.
Niagara Falls Proper
A gem of an art museum lies just north of Niagara Falls, New York — Castellani Art Museum of Niagara University. Housed in a modern building designed by Thomas Moscati, the museum has a wide array of modern and folk art alongside seasonal exhibitions. Then, explore truly contemporary art by visiting Art Alley in downtown Niagara Falls. The public art space features 19 murals curated by a long-time local art teacher and leads to a public art gallery, as well. Finish your day by catching a show from one of the three theater companies in residence at the Niagara Arts & Cultural Center, where resident artists co-mingle with exhibits inside a historic building. There’s always something different on tap so make sure to check the schedule before you go. Add in dinner at The Como Restaurant, which has been serving hearty Italian food to the Niagara Falls community since 1927.
Lewiston & Lockport
Plan to set aside a whole day to spend in Lockport and Lewiston, which are hubs of arts activity in the Niagara region. The crown jewel of Lewiston is Artpark, a 150-acre park that hosts 150-plus events every summer; since its opening in 1974, the park has seen luminaries from the New York Philharmonic and Ella Fitzgerald to Sting and the Bolshoi Ballet. Then make a stop at Our Lady of Fatima Shrine to check out the exquisitely detailed statues. In Lockport, start at Art247, which houses galleries, art classes, studios and a gift shop. With a constantly rotating gallery schedule, there’s always something to see, do or buy! End your day with a show at the historic Kenan Center, an arts complex stretching over 25 acres. Choose between Jazz at the Taylor, the Carriage House Players or the family-friendly Tales at the Taylor.
North Tonawanda & Buffalo
Begin your day at the Carnegie Art Center, which is housed in a public library building originally gifted to the city of North Tonawanda by Andrew Carnegie in 1903. Since 1974, it has provided artistic programming to the region through exhibitions, events and education. (They are best known locally for producing Canal Fest of the Tonawandas, a week-long festival with local food and craft vendors and musical performances.) Next up is a diversion into Buffalo for the newly opened AKG Art Museum. Contemporary art exhibitions rotate through the space with performing artists and talks also being hosted. When you finish, head for the Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House complex, where you can see a massive estate the renowned architect designed for a wealthy local businessman in 1903. Back in Niagara Falls, finish your arts experience by enjoying the culinary arts with at Wine on Third, which features a rotating display of local art on its walls.
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