(216) 327-5090

Welcome to the Darl Center for the Arts

Discover the stunning museum and theater in historic Slavic Village, Cleveland, featuring a unique collection of art and artifacts.

The Darl Center for the Arts was founded in Cleveland in October of 2022. The center is both a museum and event space, celebrating art, adventure and life well-lived.

Public Event

MONDAY SWING DANCE

July 29, 2024
Featuring
Sunny Side
on their Summer Tour
with The Land Lindy Hop

All ages
Dance Lesson 7:00pm
Live Music 7:30pm
Public Event

Art Quilts & Fiber Art Show

March 14-23, 2025, Cleveland, Ohio
Featuring art quilts, postcard quilts & wearable arts shows, it starts with a thread of an idea. To showcase a collection of textiles, quilts, and wearable art – creating a global collection. Inspired by a previous Traveling Postcard Quilt Exhibit, 214 postcard quilts from around the world! Many of the original postcard quilts will be displayed at the Art Quilts & Fiber Art Show at The Darl Center for the Arts in Cleveland. This collection will be a beautiful global mosaic of quilters colorful creativity, showcasing the rich tapestry of our interwoven world!
Ongoing Exhibition

The Darl Center: Two Places in One

By Appointment
The Darl Center includes an international gallery with art and artifacts from Africa, India, Asia and Oceania. It also features a full working cabaret theater for events, meetings, and live performances.

We need your support

At the Darl Center for the Arts, our journey is fueled by creativity, community, and a shared passion for the arts. As we continue to grow we invite you to be a vital part of our story.

The Darl Center for the Arts is the culmination of a vision, location and opportunity.

ABOUT DARL

Journey of Passion, Art, and Community

Amidst these remarkable experiences, I cultivated a passion for collecting art and antiques, a journey that continues to enrich my life.

Born in Findlay, Ohio, my life maintained a subtle connection with the state. In 2009, I embarked on a transformative journey to Cleveland, assuming the role of Director of Site Selection for the International Federation of Gay Games. This responsibility led me across the globe, engaging with cities vying to host the games. My work in Cleveland led to a love affair with the arts that ultimately made Cleveland my home.

BUILDING HISTORY

Architectural Tapestry:
Unraveling the History of the Darl Center

1904

One of the first Carnegie Libraries built in Cleveland, beginning construction in 1904.

The building, originally named the Broadway Free Library, holds profound historical and architectural significance in Cleveland’s narrative. Serving as the city’s inaugural Carnegie Library, construction commenced in 1904. When approached for a donation, Andrew Carnegie responded with a letter asserting, ‘I am certain that if the good people of Cleveland want a library, they can certainly afford to build it.’ Notably, nearly half of America’s millionaires resided in Cleveland during that era.

The construction cost amounted to approximately $58,000, a sum that echoes the remarkable foresight of Carnegie’s investment. Today, the estimated replacement cost soars into the millions. Charles Morris, handpicked by Carnegie for his inaugural project, designed the building to stand out, opting for a classical revival style with ten sides. This unique architectural choice resulted in one of the few Decagon buildings in America, a testament to the library’s enduring legacy.

A small museum with a world-class collection

The collection is captivating trove of over 400 paintings, sculptures, curios, antiques, artifacts, and other mementoes discovered during Darl’s lifetime of international travel.

Explore the Collection

The collection is unique, diverse and eclectic.

Unleash Your Creativity:
Host Your Event at Darl Center

Unlock the doors to possibility at Darl Center for the Arts. Our space is not just a venue; it’s a canvas for your creativity. Whether you envision a captivating art exhibition, an intimate poetry reading, or a lively community gathering, our versatile facilities provide the perfect backdrop.

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News and updates

We need your support

At the Darl Center for the Arts, our journey is fueled by creativity, community, and a shared passion for the arts. As we continue to grow we invite you to be a vital part of our story.

Get involved

The Darl Center for the Arts wouldn’t exist without the generosity of others.