Western Virginia Foundation for the Arts and Sciences

Center in the Square is the home for the Art Museum of Western Virginia, The Arts Council of the Blue Ridge, Mill Mountain Theatre, the History Museum & Historical Society of Western Virginia (which opened the O. Winston Link Museum on January 10, 2004), the Science Museum of Western Virginia and Hopkins Planetarium, Opera Roanoke, and Roanoke Ballet Theatre, Inc. Each of these seven independent organizations has its own budget and Board of Directors, and is able to focus its resources on bringing the best in programs, exhibitions, productions and outreach services to the public. Center uses contributions from local and state governments, corporations, foundations and private citizens to provide its services to its beneficiary organizations.

Center in the Square is an innovative community partnership that serves as a national and international model. This unique partnership has been a decisive catalyst in the revitalization of Roanoke's downtown business community. Center's annual economic impact is conservatively estimated at $25 million, 250 new businesses have started nearby since Center opened, and Center's success has inspired others to invest $500 million in construction and renovation projects in the immediate market area.

Center inspires economic growth, tourism and excellence in the region's quality of life and yields a decisive return on the community's investment.