Culture & the Arts

Galleries filled with unique sculptures, craft shows showcasing handmade items and theatres full of history are all part of the unique blend of culture and art in Pennsylvania Dutch Country. Local artists display their talents through pieces of art, and seasonal arts and crafts festivals not only provide interesting and detailed pieces, but also give visitors a chance to experience the beauty and heritage that makes the region so special.

The many museums of Lancaster County offer visitors an interactive experience exploring everything from local history to holidays and timepieces. People's Place Quilt Museum features both antique and contemporary quilts and decorative arts from local Amish and Mennonite communities. For a story of religious freedom and wonderful examples of architecture, art and music, the Ephrata Cloister is one of America's earliest communal societies and features medieval Germanic architecture and wonderful examples of the early music and printing techniques of the Cloister Brothers and Sisters. The National Watch and Clock Museum offers a tribute to timepieces through the decades, and it's Christmas all year long at the National Christmas Center.

For those looking to explore downtown Lancaster's new and flourishing arts scene, First Fridays allow for a fun evening out for all visitors. On the first Friday of every month, art galleries, shops, and museums stay open late. Galleries feature artist talks or receptions, local musicians perform, and downtown museums feature special events or demonstrations. Downtown Lancaster's art scene is a growing one, and First Fridays are the perfect time to experience the blossoming culture. Throughout the week, visitors can discover works of art downtown along Gallery Row or at the Demuth Museum, located in the home of famed artist and Lancaster native, Charles Demuth.

From interactive theatre to drama, the many stages of Pennsylvania Dutch Country offer top-notch performances of all kinds. Enjoy a delicious dinner while watching a musical classic or side-splitting comedy at one of Lancaster County's dinner theatres. The historic Fulton Opera House provides world-class dramas, comedies and Broadway musicals, and living history takes the stage to tell stories of the Underground Railroad. Sight and Sound's Millennium Theatre and Living Waters Theatre, which comprise the largest Christian-based theatre complex in the nation, bring the stories of the Bible to life with breathtaking special effects.


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