Kravis Center for the Performing Arts
The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts is a not-for-profit cultural venue in downtown West Palm Beach, Florida. It opened in 1992 after years of fundraising, led by supporters who named it for Raymond F. Kravis. The center sits on the former Connie Mack Field site and has become a main home for regional performing arts.
What’s inside
- four venues: Dreyfoos Concert Hall (2,195 seats), Rinker Playhouse (289 seats), Persson Hall (170 seats)
- additional spaces: Cohen Pavilion with the Weiner Banquet Center and Gimelstob Ballroom, Elmore Family Business Center for the Arts, Picower Foundation Arts Education Center (which includes Persson Hall and the Khoury Family Dance Rehearsal Hall)
- In 2016, the center became the first performing arts venue in the world to install a custom-designed digital organ, funded by Alexander W. Dreyfoos
Community and education
- The Kravis Center works to bring the performing arts to diverse audiences, helping more than 2 million school children and many economically disadvantaged seniors, minorities, and community groups experience live performances.
- In 2018, the West Palm Beach City Commission approved plans to expand the center, with work expected to be completed in 2020.
Kravis Dream Awards and programs
- The Kravis Center Dream Awards began in 2017 to celebrate high school musical theater. The first awards were held in 2018 in Dreyfoos Hall.
- The program is open to all Palm Beach County public and private schools. Two nominees (one male, one female) can advance from regional competition to the national Jimmy Awards in New York City, honoring outstanding student performers and a notable high school drama educator.
Other programs and activities
- Arts Camp: a three-week summer program for ages nine to eleven to explore dance, technical theatre, and vocal music, ending with a showcase.
- Volunteering: opportunities to help in administration, hospitality, education, and usher duties.
- Community events include activities like free annual block parties with live performances, dance lessons, and art workshops.
- The center also runs a food drive, Pack to Give Back, in partnership with the Palm Beach County Food Bank, providing meals to those in need.
Key facts
- Address: 701 Okeechobee Blvd, West Palm Beach, FL 33401-6323
- Owner: private not-for-profit corporation
- Capacity: Dreyfoos Hall 2,195; Rinker Playhouse 289; Persson Hall 170
- Groundbreaking: May 24, 1989; Opening: September 19, 1992
- Construction cost: $55 million (about $140 million in 2024 dollars)
- Architect: Eberhard Zeidler; General contractor: Blount, Inc.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 09:38 (CET).