Century II Performing Arts & Convention Center

Century II Performing Arts & Convention Center is a major multi-use civic and cultural complex located in downtown Wichita, Kansas. Opened in 1969 to commemorate the city's centennial, the facility was designed as a keystone for urban renewal along the Arkansas River. It serves as a primary venue for a wide array of events, including Broadway touring productions, concerts, conventions, and community gatherings, playing a central role in the region's cultural and economic life.

History

The concept for a new civic auditorium emerged in the early 1960s as part of a broader master plan for downtown Wichita developed by the firm Harland Bartholomew and Associates. Funded by a 1964 bond issue, the project was intended to replace the aging Wichita Forum and stimulate development along the riverfront. The name "Century II" was chosen to mark the city's progression into its second century following its founding in 1870. Its construction, led by the architectural team of Charles McAfee and John Hickman, was a cornerstone of the city's urban renewal efforts during the tenure of Mayor A. Price Woodard. The facility opened in 1969 with a gala performance, immediately becoming a hub for major events in South Central Kansas.

Architecture and facilities

The structure is a prominent example of Brutalist architecture, characterized by its sweeping, curvilinear forms and extensive use of raw concrete. Its distinctive circular design, housing the main performance halls, is connected by a long, low exhibition hall, creating a unified complex. Key venues within include the 2,177-seat Concert Hall, home to the Wichita Symphony Orchestra and Music Theatre of Wichita; the 612-seat Mary Jane Teall Theater; and the 100,000-square-foot Exhibition Hall. The complex is situated within the larger Wichita Riverfront area, adjacent to the Keeper of the Plains statue and connected to the Wichita Art Museum and the Wichita Public Library via pedestrian bridges.

Notable events

The venue has hosted a diverse roster of performances and gatherings since its inauguration. It is a regular stop for Broadway touring companies, presenting shows like *The Phantom of the Opera* and *Wicked*. Notable musical performers have included John Denver, Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, and Prince. It has also been the site for major conventions such as the National FFA Convention and the Wizard World comic con, alongside hosting lectures by figures like Maya Angelou and Desmond Tutu. The annual Wichita River Festival utilizes its spaces extensively.

Management and operations

The facility is owned by the City of Wichita and its operations are managed by the city's Parks & Recreation Department. Booking and event management for the performing arts spaces are often handled in conjunction with local presenting organizations like the Wichita Grand Opera. The convention center spaces compete regionally with venues such as the Kansas Star Casino arena and the INTRUST Bank Arena. Ongoing maintenance and debates about its future, including potential renovation or replacement, are frequently addressed by the Wichita City Council and the Sedgwick County Commission.

Cultural impact and legacy

As a physical symbol of Wichita's mid-century ambition, it solidified the city's reputation as a regional cultural capital. It provided a permanent, professional home for cornerstone institutions like the Wichita Symphony Orchestra and Ballet Wichita, significantly elevating the local arts scene. The center's location catalyzed the development of the surrounding Wichita Riverfront into a major civic and recreational district. While its Brutalist design has been both praised and criticized, the building remains an iconic and contentious landmark in discussions about historic preservation and modern architecture in the Great Plains.

Category:Convention centers in Kansas Category:Performing arts centers in Kansas Category:Buildings and structures in Wichita, Kansas Category:Brutalist architecture in Kansas Category:1969 establishments in Kansas