see the difference
Create stories to remember in Beloit with culturally unique arts including public art, museums, art galleries, and performing arts. With its beautiful riverfront, revitalized downtown, and passion for the arts, Beloit brings Midwest charm with a cosmopolitan look and feel.
Public art
A stroll around the river and downtown lets you take in prime artwork, such as the 25 larger-than-life modernistic sculptures by Beloit College alum O.V. Shaffer. An eye-catching American flag affixed to the Ironworks complex along the Rock River is crafted with patterns once used by the Beloit Corporation. And when night falls, illuminated murals along the city’s “Spine Road” dazzle.
Check out the NEW Beloit & Beyond Outdoor Art Trail! Take this self-guided digital tour to unlock the details of Beloit’s unique history. Complete 10 stops to receive an exclusive Beloit & Beyond Outdoor Art Trail sticker.
museums
Beloit’s museums display various unique artifacts and memorabilia. The Logan Museum of Anthropology provides a deep dive into world cultures with rotating exhibits from its collection of more than 200,000 archaeological objects. The Wright Museum of Art holds a permanent collection of 6,000 artifacts. View Modernist Art, Ancient Art and more from more than 129 countries including the work of Picasso and Rembrandt.
And just over the border, historic automobiles to objects once used by celebrities and presidents can be seen at the Historic Auto Attractions Museum in Roscoe, IL.
art galleries
The Beloit Art Center and Gallery ABBA host several exhibitions and art shows in beautiful, spacious galleries. Exhibitions are generally free and open to the public, and pieces are available for purchase too.
Whether you collect paintings or are just looking for one to spruce up your wall, you will find plenty of options at The Villager Gallery & Frame Shop.
You can also gather your friends and family, sign up for art lessons, and paint together at Jill Rae Finally Art. Or de-stress and get your creativity flowing at Hammer & Stain Stateline!
performiNG arts
The Beloit Janesville Symphony Orchestra and Turtle Creek Chamber Orchestra perform a series of classical and pops concerts throughout the year. For the jazz aficionados, the award-winning Beloit Memorial High School Jazz Band should be at the top of your list.
Beloit Civic Theatre has been Beloit’s community theatre since 1932 producing three productions each season. Beloit College Theatre stages four shows every year. Every other year, the department produces a musical or stages a Shakespearean play.
theatres & Cinemas
The Neese Performing Arts Center is the heart of a vibrant performing arts program that embraces drama, technical theatrecrafts, dance, music, and dress design. And the Elizabeth Reinholz Theatre is home to the Beloit Civic Theatre where performances are held in the intimate 200-seat theatre.
Beloit is home to the Beloit International Film Festival (BIFF), a ten-day tribute to the power of film and the excitement of independent film from around the world. You don’t need to wait for the festival in April thanks to BIFF Year Round.
In the mood for the big screen? Catch a new release at Classic Cinemas where ten screens have been renovated with luxury heated recliner seats. There’s always free refills on freshly popped popcorn, soda, and ICEEs at Classic Cinemas.
2024 DATES TO TAKE NOTE OF:
4/5-4/14: Beloit International Film Festival (BIFF)
6/1-7/26: Wright Museum of Art: 66th Annual Beloit & Vicinity
9/28: Deviate Beloit
