Pump House Regional Arts Center

A Creative Beacon in the Heart of Downtown La Crosse

In the middle of downtown La Crosse, surrounded by historic buildings and bustling streets, the Pump House Regional Arts Center stands as a hub of creativity, culture, and community connection. More than just a gallery or performance venue, the Pump House is a dynamic arts center housed in a beautifully restored 1880s water pumping station. It has become a vital space where visual art, music, theatre, and community events converge in celebration of local and regional talent.

For both residents and visitors, the Pump House offers an accessible, engaging entry point into La Crosse’s vibrant arts scene—and a place where creativity thrives year-round. While many cultural landmarks preserve the past, the Pump House actively cultivates the present and future of artistic expression. Whether you’re attending a live performance, exploring an exhibition, or participating in an educational program, the experience is enriched by a warm, community-driven atmosphere. Even in an age increasingly shaped by digital connectivity and IT services, this venue remains a powerful reminder of the value of human connection, creative collaboration, and the enduring role of the arts in shaping identity and community.

From Utility to Inspiration: A Historic Building Reimagined

Originally constructed in 1880 as a water pumping station for the city, the building that now houses the Pump House is a piece of La Crosse’s industrial heritage. After falling into disuse in the mid-20th century, the building was preserved and transformed in the late 1970s by a group of passionate local citizens committed to the arts. What emerged was not just an arts center, but a symbol of how preservation and innovation can intersect to serve the community.

The building retains much of its original character—exposed brick walls, large arched windows, and sturdy timber beams—all of which lend a unique, textured backdrop to every exhibition and performance. This careful balance of old and new makes the Pump House one of the most architecturally distinctive arts venues in the region.

Visual Arts that Reflect Community and Diversity

Inside, the Pump House hosts rotating art exhibitions throughout the year, showcasing both emerging and established artists from La Crosse, the Midwest, and beyond. The galleries span two floors and include everything from photography and sculpture to mixed media and painting.

The curatorial approach emphasizes diversity in voice, medium, and message, making each visit a new experience. One month might feature Indigenous artists exploring cultural identity, while another might spotlight local students or fiber artists. The exhibitions are free and open to the public, offering an inclusive space for inspiration, education, and reflection.

Visitors can also participate in artist receptions, gallery talks, and hands-on workshops—many of which are designed to welcome beginners and encourage personal expression through the arts.

A Stage for Performance and Storytelling

The Pump House isn’t just a gallery—it’s also one of the city’s most cherished performance spaces. The intimate, 140-seat black box theatre regularly hosts live music, theatrical productions, spoken word events, dance performances, and film screenings.

The stage welcomes a wide range of performers, from local playwrights and musicians to touring acts and nationally known artists. Whether it's jazz, folk, classical guitar, or a contemporary play, the venue’s acoustics and cozy layout make for an up-close and personal experience.

Annual favorites like the Pump House Play Series, community theatre showcases, and special seasonal performances keep audiences returning, and many events include talkbacks or opportunities to meet the performers.

Classes and Creativity for All Ages

Another key feature of the Pump House Regional Arts Center is its dedication to arts education. The center offers a broad range of classes and workshops for children, teens, and adults, covering disciplines like watercolor, ceramics, writing, dance, and more.

These programs are led by working artists and educators and are tailored to all skill levels. Whether you’re a seasoned artist looking to refine your craft or a beginner exploring a new hobby, the Pump House makes learning feel accessible, engaging, and fun.

Summer camps, after-school programs, and youth art initiatives further deepen the Pump House’s commitment to fostering lifelong creativity in the La Crosse community.

Visiting the Pump House

Located at 119 King Street, the Pump House is just steps away from Riverside Park and downtown shops, restaurants, and attractions. The building is ADA-accessible, with a ramp entrance and elevator to all floors. Free parking is available nearby, and the area is well-connected by local transit and walkable for visitors exploring downtown on foot.

The art galleries are open multiple days per week and typically remain open into the early evening, while performance schedules vary depending on the event calendar. Visitors are encouraged to check ahead for current exhibitions, showtimes, or class sign-ups.

The center also features a small gift shop with work by regional artists, handcrafted items, and creative souvenirs that support local makers and the arts mission.

A Must-See for Culture Lovers

For tourists, the Pump House Regional Arts Center offers a window into the creative heartbeat of La Crosse. It's a place where the city's history meets its artistic present, where every brick and brushstroke tells a story of resilience, imagination, and community pride.

For locals, it’s more than a destination—it’s a gathering space, a launching pad for new ideas, and a reminder of the transformative power of the arts.

Whether you’re attending a play, strolling through a gallery, or taking a pottery class, the Pump House invites you to participate, reflect, and connect. It’s one of those rare places where everyone—artist or not—can feel like they belong.

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