Center in the Square

The Western Virginia Foundation for the Arts and Sciences, operating as Center in the Square, enhances the regions economic development, education, and quality of life by providing a home to eight important cultural organizations.

We are an independent, private, and a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that owns and operates four downtown Roanoke properties: Center in the Square, Center on Church, the former Shenandoah Hotel, and the former downtown Norfolk & Western Railway Passenger Station which houses the O. Winston Link Museum.

Center in the Square, our signature downtown Roanoke building, is home to five independent cultural organizations: Roanoke Pinball Museum, History Museum & Historical Society of Western Virginia, Harrison Museum or African American Culture, Mill Mountain Theatre, and Science Museum of Western Virginia.

Center also pays the rent for three additional organizations, the O. Winston Link Museum, Opera Roanoke, and Roanoke Ballet Theatre.

Centers mission is to be an active participant in economic development, both locally and regionally, by helping assure the financial health of vital elements of western and central Virginias cultural quality of life.By providinga unique home for regional arts & cultural organizations, creatingand driving opportunities that enhance education, economic development and quality of life in Roanoke and the surrounding region.