Exploring Harrisburg, PAs Hidden Cultural Gems

When it comes to the cultural scene in Harrisburg, PA, there are plenty of bigname museums and venues that draw crowds yearround. But for intrepid travelers seeking undertheradar arts experiences that offer a glimpse into the citys eclectic spirit, there are a number of lesserknown gems worth checking out.

For visual arts enthusiasts, The State Museum of Pennsylvania (300 North St., Harrisburg) may be on your radar already but its adjacent Art in Public Places gallery (PA Capitol Complex) often flies under the radar. Tucked away on the ground floor of one wing of the enormous Capitol building complex sits this small yet striking space that showcases rotating exhibitions by local artists. Dont miss their collection Art of Quarantine, featuring 80 works created during lockdowns due to COVID19.

Those interested in live theater should check out Open Stage (25 North Court St., Harrisburg), which has been producing professionalquality shows since 1983 and is beloved among locals for its intimate setting and commitment to showcasing diverse voices both onstage and offstage. Look out for productions like The Agitators, telling untold stories about Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony or hilarious comedy Fully Committed!

As for concert venues with character? Try HMAC Harrisburg Midtown Arts Center (1110 N. Third St., Building #2), located inside an eyecatching former Jewish Community Center building from the early 1900s; it boasts three stages plus art galleries where you might find jazz pianist Emmet Cohen performing or standup comedian Jo Koy cracking up audiences! Or climb upstairs at Zeroday Brewing Co.s taproom (250 Reily St.), where youll find intimate performances by indie bands before sipping delicious beer brewed onsite.

But what about secret spots visitors would never know existed without local guidance? Here, we have a couple of recommendations. First up: Little Amps Coffee Roasters (133 State St., Harrisburg), where you can sip on some of the best coffee in town while taking in art displays that change frequently and offering live music sets at night.

Additionally, The National Civil War Museum (1 Lincoln Cir.), located outside downtown perched atop a hill overlooking the city, is often overlooked by visitors but offers an immersive look into one of Americas most tumultuous periods through interactive exhibits and artifacts from both Union AND Confederate sides be ready to learn about lesserknown stories!

With so much history and vibrant life bursting from every corner of our capital city, theres no shortage of cultural hotspots worth exploring. Whether youre looking for topnotch theater productions or hidden galleries just off the beaten path, Harrisburg is sure to surprise and delight any intrepid arts lover!

Websites:

https://statemuseumpa.org/exhibitions/artinpublicplaces/

https://www.openstagehbg.com/

https://www.harrisburgarts.com/home

http://littleampscoffee.com/

Twitter accounts:

@StatemuseumPA

@openstageHBG

@HMAC_HBG

@zerodaybrewing