Culture and the Arts

There are several organizations in Martin County providing cultural opportunities. The Arts Council, Inc. was formed as an umbrella organization designed to bring the arts groups together and coordinate many of the activities.

Through a state historic grant, the Council was able to restore the old Martin County Court House to its original 1937 architectural design. It houses an art gallery and offices for the Council. Classes in music, art, literature and history are offered as part of the educational benefits of the Council. The first formal exhibit in the Cultural Complex was the only southeastern showing of the works of world famous photographer Ansel Adams.

The Council also sponsors the annual Artsfest, providing an opportunity for residents to exhibit their work. It takes place in March at Memorial Park in historic downtown Stuart, and has featured an array of diversified artforms, such as music and dance, murals created on-site, Corning art glass demonstrations, student juried art and much more.

Community theater, several contemporary dance companies, literature readings, a folk music series, art leagues and professional entertainment contribute to the cultural activities.

The Barn Theatre is Martin County’s oldest non-profit community theatre. The Barn, located on East Ocean Blvd., offers a variety of plays and programs featuring an array of local talented performers. Individual or season tickets can be purchased at their box office.

Newcomers to the Treasure Coast and residents alike will find a surprise around every corner at the Elliott Museum! See vintage cars and boats, baseball memorabilia and local history, plus exciting art and cultural exhibits. The Elliott offers a wide assortment of exceptional, enriching, and fun things to see and do.

Follow the evolution of early automobiles beginning with patented technology developed for early bicycles by inventor Sterling Elliott. Browse among 90 rare automobiles, with several displayed in a unique robotic racking system. A treasured collection of baseball memorabilia features all the greats– including 600 autographed vintage baseball cards, 300 signed baseballs, game used bats and more. And with a diversity of changing shows, there’s always something new to fascinate and entertain in the Elliott’s main gallery. For information on exhibits, events, and lectures, visit hsmc-fl.com/elliott-museum The museum is located at 825 N.E. Ocean Boulevard, on Hutchinson Island at the entrance of Stuart Beach. Open 7 days (excluding major holidays), 10 AM to 5 PM.

Downtown Stuart features Rock’n Riverwalk every Sunday year-round on the Riverwalk Stage. It is a free outdoor concert on the waterfront, featuring the best of local and regional musicians. The concert immediately follows the Stuart Green Market, located next to City Hall, which operates every Sunday from 9:00 am – 1:00 pm year-round, rain or shine

The Children’s Museum is an incredible community resource. It is a place for quality time for parents and children; it aids in a child’s development mentally, emotionally and socially; it prompts its guests to know more about their history and their environment; and it unleashes the creativity that is essential for children of the 21st century.

The museum is located at Indian Riverside Park on Indian River Drive, Jensen Beach. For more information about the Museum’s hours, summer camp, special days and so much more, visit www.childrensmuseumtc.org or call 772-225-7575 ext.202.

Located next to the Children’s Museum is the Mansion at Tuckahoe. Overlooking the beautiful Indian River Lagoon within Martin Couny’s Indian RiverSide Park, the Mansion at Tuckahoe, which was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2005, sits atop Mt. Elizabeth, which was also listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2002. Together, The Mansion at Tuckahoe and Mount Elizabeth create one of the most historically significant sites in Florida.

Music at the Mansion is an on-going, free, family-friendly “Sunday Funday” event for the community that takes place the first Sunday of the Month from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. This event showcases local talent, vendors, and activities for the family. Bring your lawn chair and blankets and get ready to move to the beat with the gorgeous Indian RiverSide Park and Indian River views!

The following organizations are a sample of the cultural groups and businesses following the Arts Council slogan:

“Making the Arts Come Alive in Martin County”

The Arts Council, Inc.
80 E Ocean Blvd.Stuart, FL 34994
(772) 287-6676 
www.martinarts.org

The Barn Theatre
2400 SE Ocean Blvd.
Stuart, FL 34996
(772) 287-4884
www.barn-theatre.com

Blake Library
2351 SE Monterey Road
Stuart, FL 34996
(772) 221-1410
www.library.martin.fl.us

Board & Brush Port St. Lucie
1707 S.W. St. Lucie West Blvd., Suite 108
Port St. Lucie, FL 34986
(772) 245-3190
www.boardandbrush.com/portstlucie

Children’s Museum of the Treasure Coast

1707 NE Indian River Drive
Jensen Beach, FL 34957
(772) 225-7575
www.childrensmuseumtc.org

Dean Lopes Music
(772) 342-8649

Elliott Museum

825 NE Ocean Blvd.
Stuart, FL 34996
(772) 225-1961
www.elliottmuseum.org

Environmental Studies Center
2900 NE Indian River Drive
Jensen Beach, FL 34957 
(772 219-1887
www.escmc.org

Fish House Art Center 
4745 SE DeSoto Avenue
Stuart, FL 34997
(772) 631-0443
www.fishhouseartcenter.com

Florida Oceanographic Society
890 NE Ocean Blvd.
Stuart, FL 34996
(772) 225-0505
www.floridaocean.org

Gratitude Steel Band
Stuart, FL
(313) 268-9468
www.gratitudesteelband.com

House of Refuge Museum
at Gilbert’s Bar
301 SE MacArthur Blvd.
Stuart, FL 34996
(772) 225-1875
www.houseofrefugefl.org

Indian River State College
Performing Arts Series
3209 Virginia Avenue
Fort Pierce, FL 34981-5599
(772) 468-4750
www.irsc.edu

Indian River State College
WQCS/Classic 89 FM
P.O. Box 89
Fort Pierce, FL 34979
(772) 287-2006, ext. 474
www.irsc.edu

Mansion at Tuckahoe
1707 NE Indian River Drive
Jensen Beach, FL 34957
(772) 225-7575
www.mansionattuckahoe.com

Stuart Air Show

2400 SE Monterey Road
Suite 300
Stuart, FL 34996
(772) 781-4882
www.stuartairshow.com

Stuart Heritage Museum
161 SW Flagler Avenue
Stuart, FL 34994
(772) 287-9306
www.stuartheritagemuseum.com

Stuart Main Street
105 SW Flagler Ave.
Stuart, FL 34994
(772) 286-2848
www.stuartmainstreet.org

The Gilt Complex
3848 SE Dixie Highway
Stuart, FL 34997
(772) 463-0125
www.thegiltcomplex.com

Visionary School of Arts
1724 SE Indian Street
Stuart, FL 34997
(772) 283-4888
www.visionaryschoolofarts.org