Known as “The Jewel of Beacon,” the Howland Cultural Center is a nonprofit organization—separate from the Howland Chamber Music Circle—which has fostered arts and culture in Beacon since 1979. As the primary venue for HCMC performances, the Howland Cultural Center is a Victorian gem, designed in 1872 by Richard Morris Hunt, who was the leading architect of his day. For over a century the building functioned as the city’s library, the Howland Circulating Library, before becoming Beacon’s cherished center for the arts and culture.

Noted for its fine acoustics, the venue seats 125 and offers audiences a stunning and intimate setting to enjoy live music performance. The unique beauty and resonance of the space, and its proximity to New York City enables us to feature both prominent musicians and rising stars.

“The Howland Cultural Center is so lovely, but what makes it such an inspired venue is the room’s shape, which allows the most intimate communication because the audience is so close, while the high ceiling gives a warmth and roundness to even the most fortissimo sounds.”
– Thomas Meglioranza, baritone

In such an intimate space, real connections are made between performer and listener. I always felt encouraged to make sincere, beautiful music at the Howland Cultural Center. What more can we, as performers, ask for?”
– Gilles Vonsattel, piano

For more information, visit the Howland Cultural Center website.

Directions

Address: 477 Main Street, Beacon, NY 12508.

By Train: We are easily accessible from NYC by train on Metro North’s Hudson Line. Click here for schedule and fare information to the Beacon station.

Parking: The entrance to a Municipal parking lot is next to Brothers Trattoria on Main St. (same block as the Howland Center). There are three handicapped parking spots on the entrance to the parking lot. Street parking is also generally available.

Handicapped Access: To enter the Howland Center two steps must be negotiated. Handicapped parking is not available nearby.