Paradise Center for the Arts

The Paradise Center for the Arts is a collaborative center of artistic activity in Historic Downtown Faribault. We offer art education, gallery exhibits and live performances of music, theater, comedy, and other artistic opportunities for all ages. We are a vibrant hub in our community and a well fueled economic engine for the region.

Our beautifully restored facility is built on the original foundation of the 1885 Faribault Opera House, which was destroyed by fire in 1929. Designed by the architectural firm Liebenberg and Kaplan, the Paradise was originally conceptualized as the Granada with a Moorish or Spanish theme.

After years of operation as a movie theater, and then several years of vacancy and decay, the community rallied to restore this magnificent jewel. The building was extensively renovated in 2006 to include art galleries, classrooms, clay and textile labs, a gift shop and rehearsal spaces, in addition to a 278 seat auditorium. The Paradise Center for the Arts opened to the public in 2007. In 2008, The Paradise Center for the Arts received the MN Preservation Alliance Restoration/Rehabilitation Award.

For over 40 years, the Faribault Art Center (now Paradise Center for the Arts) has been part of the Faribault community. Began in the 1950s by a small group of artists, FAC promoted visual arts to local artists and art lovers through classes, exhibitions, and community involvement projects. FACT also had a strong history of making theatrical performances accessible to community participants as well as patrons. There are currently five community theatre performances a year, held in the Bahl Family Auditorium.

Paradise Center for the Arts functions under the Bylaws and Articles of Incorporation of Faribault Art Center, and retains its nonprofit status: EIN 41-138-1314.

We look forward to the opportunity to share with YOU what Paradise has to offer. Visit our facility and enjoy our many artistic offerings. Contact us to learn more today.