Inside the Kingsport Renaissance Center is a three-story atrium. (Photo by Jeffrey Stoner, www.jeffreystonerphotography.com)
The appropriately-named Kingsport Renaissance Center is a city-owned building that opened in 1921 as a school. It was extensively renovated in 1991 and now stands as one of Kingsport's most prominent landmarks -- a work of art inside and out. It is also home to many of Kingsport's arts organizations.
Inside is a beautiful three-story atrium, where many couples choose to get married; and a variety of rooms may be rented for other events ranging from baby showers and business meetings, to wedding receptions and family reunions.
The Main Art Gallery (managed by the Kingsport Art Guild) hosts rotating exhibits. The Atrium Gallery on the second floor showcases local artists as well as traveling exhibitions. Also on the second floor is a 345-seat theatre where performances often take place.
The City of Kingsport's Cultural Arts office is on the second floor. The staff manages the facility, produces the Art Nights/City Lights performing arts series and provides administration for Kingsport's Public Art program, which includes the Sculpture Walk, Percent for Art Projects, and Art in Public Places.
The Renaissance Center also houses offices for the Arts Council of Greater Kingsport, Kingsport Art Guild, Kingsport Theatre Guild, Symphony of the Mountains, and Suzuki Talent Education Association on the second and third floors. The Senior Center on the first floor provides a variety of programming.
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