Inside one of the studios during a workshop (we were all out to lunch at the time!)
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Atlantic Center for the Arts

4.8
·147 reviews·New Smyrna Beach, United States

A vibrant hub for artistic creation and natural beauty, fostering creativity through residencies, exhibitions, and community events.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Event days

Experience vibrant community events

CrowdMedium
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Inside one of the studios during a workshop (we were all out to lunch at the time!)

Atlantic Center for the Arts

Best Time

Event days

Experience vibrant community events

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A vibrant hub for artistic creation and natural beauty, fostering creativity through residencies, exhibitions, and community events.

4.8
(147 reviews)

"An absolute gem! The campus is stunning and relaxing, a world-class center for the arts."

Vertical photo
TIP

Check Event Schedule

Visit their website for upcoming events, workshops, and exhibitions to maximize your experience. :calendar:

Explore Natural Areas

Enjoy the beautiful grounds and walking trails, offering a peaceful escape. :evergreen_tree:

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Artist Residency Programs

Artist Residency Programs

Witness creativity in action as artists from around the globe immerse themselves in this inspiring environment.

Gallery & Exhibitions

Gallery & Exhibitions

Explore diverse artistic expressions in the center's spacious gallery, showcasing works from resident and visiting artists.

Natural Grounds & Trails

Natural Grounds & Trails

Wander through serene natural areas and enjoy scenic views, offering a peaceful complement to the artistic focus.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Art & Nature

Discover a unique blend of artistic inspiration and natural beauty. While much of the campus is dedicated to resident artists, visitors can explore designated natural areas and the gallery. Check the website for upcoming events and workshops to fully experience this gem.

Timing Your Visit

The Atlantic Center for the Arts is a working artist's haven. While the grounds are beautiful year-round, attending a specific event or workshop offers the most engaging visitor experience. Plan your visit around their scheduled programming for the best immersion.

Best Times

When
Event days
Why
Experience vibrant community events
Crowd
Medium
When
Workshop dates
Why
Engage in hands-on creative learning
Crowd
Medium
When
Gallery hours
Why
View inspiring art exhibitions
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Black Light Special Edition Sessions #blacklight #centralfl #newsmyrnabeach #photography #boudoir #glow #GlowUp #bts #behindthescenes
@boudoirbylunarstudio
94.6K likes • 1.4M views

Check Event Schedule

Visit their website for upcoming events, workshops, and exhibitions to maximize your experience. :calendar:

Explore Natural Areas

Enjoy the beautiful grounds and walking trails, offering a peaceful escape. :evergreen_tree:

#newsmyrnabeach #volusiacounty #floridahistory #abandonedflorida
@beyondflorida
9.5K likes • 283K views
Ready to get sassy and move your body? Don’t miss our first ever Drop-In Dance Class! 🔥Friday, June 6th | 7:30 PM 🔥First Coast Center for the Arts 📍725 Atlantic Blvd Unit 20 Atlantic Beach, Fl 32233 All levels welcome. Ages 18+. Let’s get it! #adultdanceclass #exnflcheerleader #jaxfl #danceclass #cheer #dancer #duvaldance #prodance #powerprodance #jazzdance #cheerleader #sassygirls
powerprodance
191 likes • 4.9K views

Support the Arts

Consider visiting the gift shop or attending ticketed events to support resident artists. :gift:

Artist-Focused Campus

Remember much of the campus is for resident artists; respect designated visitor areas. :camerawithflash:

Another week at the Atlantic Center for the Arts comes to a close, filled with endless inspiration from my fellow artists and the stunning natural environment. I’m excited to bring these paintings home and add the final touches. Feeling deeply grateful for the camaraderie and creativity shared with friends old and new. @dana_killion_artist @karencwilliamsfineart @vickiemarsango @heidigouldart ...
sandypalasti
143 likes • 5.8K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Check Event Schedule

Visit their website for upcoming events, workshops, and exhibitions to maximize your experience. :calendar:

Explore Natural Areas

Enjoy the beautiful grounds and walking trails, offering a peaceful escape. :evergreen_tree:

Support the Arts

Consider visiting the gift shop or attending ticketed events to support resident artists. :gift:

Artist-Focused Campus

Remember much of the campus is for resident artists; respect designated visitor areas. :camerawithflash:

What Travellers Say

4.8
(147 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors describe the Atlantic Center for the Arts as a 'tucked away treasure' and an 'absolute gem' with a 'stunning and relaxing' campus. Many appreciate the gallery, natural areas, and the opportunity to witness artistic creation. While some note that much of the campus is artist-exclusive, the overall sentiment is highly positive, recommending it as a beautiful getaway.

"Very pretty place
I arrived right at their opening and decided to walk around the natural areas, it's very beautiful and clean. Walking around the complex you'll begin to notice the majority of it is closed off to visitors, they have a nice deck trial but you can only walk along half of it before you're deterred by signs saying artists only. Which makes sense as this was made for the artists. The visitors center was somehow warmer inside than out, and I didn't see a single person inside. It was just a big room with portraits and the places history.
It's a very pretty getaway if you're in the nsb area."

J L

"This is a tucked away treasure. Real close to the highway and Nsb airport. Their Gallery is big & amazing. They also have a small gift shop. Very welcoming reception. Has a history section about the whole center, the original buildings are still there. They are celebrating their 40th anniversary this year! Would highly recommend to any local or tourist. You won't regret driving over."

Alex Hirst

"The Atlantic Center for the Arts is an absolute gem! From the events they host to the artists they bring in for residences, the ACA is world class! The campus is stunning and relaxing. We've photographed several events here and always enjoy working with their team. We have also rented the library for client sessions. The rental process was a breeze!"

Lunar Studio, LLC

What People Like

Beautiful natural areas
Inspiring gallery
World-class artist programs

What People Dislike

Limited visitor access to some areas

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Atlantic Center for the Arts is conveniently located near the highway and New Smyrna Beach Airport.Reddit It's a relatively short drive from Orlando, making it an accessible destination for a day trip or longer stay.TikTok

Yes, ample parking is typically available for visitors attending events or exploring the public areas of the center. It's advisable to arrive a little early on event days to secure a good spot.

Public transportation options directly to the Atlantic Center for the Arts may be limited. It's generally recommended to travel by car. Check local Volusia County transit schedules for any potential routes serving the New Smyrna Beach area.TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to the grounds and gallery may be free during regular hours, but specific events, workshops, and performances often require tickets. Always check the official website for event details and booking information.Reddit

Visitor hours can vary, especially as much of the campus is dedicated to resident artists. The gallery typically has set hours, and it's best to consult the Atlantic Center for the Arts website for the most current information.

While many events and workshops have associated fees, general admission to the gallery is often free, allowing visitors to appreciate the art on display. Confirm this on their official site before your visit.

While formal tours might not always be scheduled, you can explore the public areas and gallery at your own pace. For specific group inquiries or to understand the artist residency aspect, contacting the center directly is recommended.

🎫 🎨 Onsite Experience

Visitors can explore the gallery, walk the natural grounds, and attend scheduled events or workshops.Reddit+1 The center hosts artists in residence, offering a glimpse into creative processes.Instagram+1

Yes, the center hosts summer art camps for children Instagram and family-friendly events. The natural areas also provide a pleasant environment for a family outing.

Photography is generally permitted in public areas and the gallery, but always be mindful of resident artists' privacy and any specific signage regarding photography restrictions, especially during events or workshops.TikTok

The 'Atlantic Pyramid' or 'pyramid atlantic arts center' likely refers to the unique architectural style or a specific building within the Atlantic Center for the Arts campus, possibly related to its design or a particular exhibition space.

While not always formally scheduled, the gallery often features informative descriptions of the artworks. For deeper insights, attending an artist talk or a specific exhibition event is recommended.

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The center itself may not have a full-service restaurant, but they sometimes host events with catering from local establishments.Reddit New Smyrna Beach offers numerous dining options nearby.

Picnicking might be allowed in designated outdoor areas, but it's best to check the center's policy. For events, food and beverages are often provided or available for purchase.

📸 📸 Photography

The natural areas offer scenic beauty, while the gallery provides opportunities to capture diverse art forms. Some visitors have noted the unique architecture of the complex.TikTok

The center occasionally hosts workshops that might include photography or related visual arts. Keep an eye on their events calendar for such opportunities.TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Atlantic Center for the Arts offers engaging experiences for families, particularly through its summer art camps.Instagram These camps provide children with opportunities to explore their creativity in a supportive environment. Beyond the camps, families can enjoy the beautiful natural grounds and attend public events that are often family-friendly. It's a great way to introduce children to the arts in a relaxed setting.

🎨 Art Enthusiasts & Creatives

For artists and art lovers, the Atlantic Center for the Arts is a must-visit. The artist residency programs offer a unique insight into the creative process,Instagram+4 and the gallery showcases diverse and inspiring works. Attending workshops or special events provides opportunities for hands-on learning and community connection. The center is a hub for artistic exploration and inspiration.

Day-Trippers from Orlando

Located just about an hour from Orlando,TikTok the Atlantic Center for the Arts makes for an excellent day trip destination. You can spend the morning exploring the gallery and natural areas, and if your visit coincides with an event or workshop, you can immerse yourself in a more interactive experience. It offers a refreshing change of pace from the theme parks, focusing on culture and nature.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Artist Residency Experience

The Atlantic Center for the Arts is renowned for its artist residency programs, bringing together creators from diverse disciplines and backgrounds.Instagram+4 These residencies provide artists with dedicated time and space to focus on their work, fostering a vibrant community of innovation and collaboration. While the campus is primarily for these working artists, the energy and inspiration generated are palpable, contributing to the unique atmosphere of the center.

These programs are crucial for nurturing artistic development and often result in new and exciting bodies of work. Visitors may catch glimpses of this creative process or even attend events where resident artists share their progress. The ACA's commitment to supporting artists makes it a significant hub for the arts in Central Florida.TikTok

Architectural and Historical Significance

The Atlantic Center for the Arts boasts a unique architectural presence, with some visitors noting its distinctive style.TikTok The center also preserves elements of its history, with original buildings still on campus, contributing to its character and narrative.Reddit This blend of contemporary artistic endeavors and historical context creates a rich environment for exploration.

Beyond the immediate campus, the surrounding New Smyrna Beach area has its own historical layers, including archaeological sites dating back to the 1770s, offering a broader context of the region's past.TikTok This historical depth adds another dimension to understanding the cultural landscape where the ACA is situated.

Community Engagement and Events

The Atlantic Center for the Arts actively engages with the community through a variety of events, workshops, and summer camps.Instagram These programs aim to make art accessible and foster creativity among all age groups, from children to adults.Instagram+1 The center has hosted notable events like the OneBeat Event, featuring culinary talent from local restaurants,Reddit showcasing its role as a community gathering space.

By offering opportunities like drop-in dance classes Instagram and large-scale printmaking workshops,Instagram the ACA encourages participation and learning. These events not only enrich the local cultural scene but also provide unique experiences for visitors looking to connect with the arts in a hands-on way.

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