The Columbian Theatre, Museum and Art Center

Au contraire: the "magic" lives on! In the fall of 1994 after five years of planning, fund raising, hard work and a $2.5 million dollar renovation, The Columbian reopened as a magnificent Columbian Theatre, Museum & Art Center. It opened with a series of gala events, perhaps not unlike those held in the late 1890s. A glorious ribbon cutting was held with nearly 30 board members operating 30 scissors, as townspeople looked on from the balcony above and the street in front.

>Today, the renovated facility includes not only a performing theatre with modern light and sound but also a spacious gallery area on the first floor. The Peddicord Playhouse witnesses six Columbian productions throughout the year. Ranging from such fun as "Nunsense" to the dark comedy "Sweeney Todd," The Columbian productions routinely garner rave reviews in area newspapers.

The Swogger Gallery presents a constantly changing array of visual art exhibits as well as provides space for a large group of regional artists who have banded together as The Columbian Artists. Recently named "the most beautiful gallery in Northeast Kansas" by the Topeka Capital Journal, the gallery provides an accessible venue for artists and patrons alike.

On top of the art activities, a steady stream of weddings, receptions, open houses, mini-conventions and other social gatherings fill The Columbian calendar year around.

Indeed, the magic is alive and well!



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