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Four people walk along the halls of the Erie Art Museum, admiring the paintings on the wall.

Arts in Erie

Creativity thrives in Erie. Here, nationally recognized museums, thriving cultural institutions, talented local artists and creators, and intimate performances come together to create experiences that inspire, entertain, and connect visitors to the heart of the region.

Erie Museums

From the deep details of Erie’s maritime past to the creative energy that defines the community today, Erie’s museums invite visitors to explore, learn, and leave inspired.
Erie Theaters and Performing Arts

The curtain is always rising on a memorable performance in Erie. From Broadway productions to offbeat indie plays, Erie’s stages offer experiences that will captivate audiences of all ages.
Erie's Makers and Artists

Behind every vibrant arts community are the people creating it. Erie’s artists and makers bring the region’s stories, landscapes, and culture to life through original works and products that can be discovered in galleries, studios, and seasonal markets across Erie County.
Live Music

Erie has long been home to a wide range of musical talent, with sounds that stretch from jazz and blues to rock and indie. Live local music can be found any day of the week, especially in summer, while bigger stages like those at the Erie Insurance Arena and Warner Theatre (home of the Erie Philharmonic) welcome nationally-touring acts in intimate settings.

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Mural Arts

More than 100 vibrant murals are sprinkled throughout Erie, reflecting the city’s history, community spirit, and imagination.

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Frank Lloyd Wright Field Office Museum

Fans of legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright can immerse themselves in his work at Erie’s Hagan History Center. The interactive “museum within a museum” features rare artifacts, personal letters, memorabilia, and hands-on experiences that look at the man behind the work.

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A crowd fills the seats inside the Warner Theatre at an Erie Philharmonic concert.

The Cultural Loop

The Cultural Loop, a partnership between Erie Metropolitan Transit Authority and the Erie Philharmonic, is a free Saturday evening trolley service connecting you to downtown events and activities. Enjoy complimentary parking at the Intermodal Transportation Center. Please note: EMTA does not operate on major holidays.

The Cultural Loop

The statue on the steps of the Erie Art Museum is called "Eternal Vigilance."

...and no, he's not cold. It was created by Erie-born sculptor John Silk Deckard, and captured what he called "a heroic, self-clutching figure".

The Warner Theatre was built as a movie palace during the Great Depression.

The famous Warner Brothers commissioned the building of Erie's Warner Theatre in 1929, with the goal of creating an environment "twice as rich, three times more fanciful than life." One of the Theatre's earlies performers was Bob Hope, who appeared there in 1931 as part of its early vaudville season, and long before he became a household name.

Many of the murals in the City of Erie were designed and placed to help children.

Several murals were placed on routes where children walk to school, making their walk more colorful and engaging. Examples include "To Build a Home" by Emily Ding and "Sustainable Neighborhoods" by Nicole Salgar.

A leading figure of the Op Art movement of the 60s and 70s, Richard Anuszkiewicz, was born in Erie.

A painter, printmaker, and sculptor, Anuszkiewicz has work featured in major museums worldwide, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York.