Since 1976, the Contemporary Arts Center has been home to artists bold experiments in painting, theater, photography, performance art, dance, music, video, education, and sculpture. Situated at the gateway to New Orleans Downtown Arts District, the award-winning building houses 10,000-sq-ft of gallery space dedicated to as many as two dozen exhibitions each year. The CAC and local performers also stage several dozen plays, dance events, music concerts and performances in the 2 theaters. Renovated in 1990, the CAC's building mixes timeless New Orleans historic architecture with contemporary materials, open spaces, and site-specific art works by Louisiana artists. An electrifying atmosphere for viewing, enjoying, studying, and debating art. Children under 12 admitted free; free admission for all on Thursdays.