Located on the eastern shore of White Rock Lake Park, the Bath House Cultural Center houses a black box theater, an indoor/outdoor lake level stage, two gallery spaces, and a multipurpose classroom space. The galleries feature 7-8 exhibitions throughout the year. In addition to exhibitions, our calendar includes gallery talks, lectures, workshops/classes, demonstrations, summer camps, and performances in a wide range of visual and performing arts disciplines.
- The Black Box Theater is equipped with lighting, audio, and two dressing rooms. Capacity is 116 patrons.
- Lake Level Stage is an indoor/outdoor space equipped with audio. Capacity is 100 patrons.
- The gallery spaces present an eclectic season of exhibitions each year.
- The Multipurpose Classroom is an intimate space that can best accommodate arts workshops/classes and lectures. Capacity is 15 patrons
- The Lobby is available for small gatherings. Capacity is 75 patrons.
For more information on upcoming exhibits and programs please visit our main landing page here.
Consistently rated as one of the Top Attractions in the DFW Metroplex, the Bath House’s energetic atmosphere and diverse programming create a hotbed for the nurturing of new work and an exciting place where artists and audiences meet.
History of the Bath House
Built in 1930 on what were then the rural shores of White Rock Lake, the “Old Bath House” was one of the first uses of Art Deco architecture in the southwest. The building provided lockers, changing rooms, rentable swim suits and concessions for the thousands of people that drove from all over North Texas to swim in the lake.
The Bath House remained a social and recreational hot spot for over two decades, but was forced to close in 1953 when swimming in White Rock Lake was discontinued. The majestic building sat vacant until 1978 when, urged and supported by a dedicated group of neighborhood arts activists, the City of Dallas announced plans to restore the building. In August of 1981, the citizens of East Dallas celebrated the birth of the City’s first neighborhood cultural center.
The Bath House Cultural Center is a division of the City of Dallas Office of Arts and Culture.
Additional support for the center is provided by the Texas Commission on the Arts, the Friends of the Bath House Cultural Center, and other organizations and individuals.
Historical photographs courtesy of Paula Selzer and Judith Haralson Wolfe.
