Chocolate Church Art Center (Bath, ME)

Located in the heart of downtown Bath, Maine, the Chocolate Church Arts Center is one of Midcoast Maine’s most distinctive cultural landmarks, blending historic architecture with a vibrant contemporary arts scene. Housed in a striking Gothic Revival building at 804 Washington Street, the center has become a beloved gathering place for music, theater, visual arts, and community events.

Originally constructed in 1847 as Bath’s Central Congregational Church, the building was designed during a time when Gothic Revival architecture was gaining popularity for New England houses of worship. After more than a century of religious use, declining membership in the 1960s put the building at risk. Community preservation efforts helped save the structure, and in the 1970s it was transformed into a performing arts venue. The nonprofit Chocolate Church Arts Center was officially incorporated in 1977, beginning its new chapter as a regional hub for the arts.

Today, the Chocolate Church Arts Center presents a diverse lineup of programming that reflects the creative spirit of the region. Performances range from live concerts and theater productions to comedy, dance, lectures, and art exhibitions. The center features a 300-seat main theater along with a smaller, more intimate annex performance space, allowing for a wide variety of artistic experiences. Educational programs, workshops, and youth music instruction further expand its impact by nurturing creativity across generations.

Beyond its performances, the center plays an important role in strengthening Bath’s creative economy and sense of community. Outdoor concerts, parades, and collaborative events extend their reach beyond the historic building and into the broader downtown and waterfront areas. Through these efforts, the Chocolate Church continues to fulfill its mission of making the arts accessible and welcoming to all.

The building itself remains a visual icon, known for its distinctive dark exterior, which inspired the “Chocolate Church” nickname, along with its dramatic steeple and historic character. As both a preservation success story and an active cultural venue, the Chocolate Church Arts Center stands as a symbol of how historic spaces can be reimagined to serve modern communities.

Whether attending a concert, viewing an exhibit, or participating in a class, visitors will find the Chocolate Church Arts Center to be an essential stop in Bath’s thriving arts and cultural landscape.

Located: 804 Washington Street in Bath, Maine.

Schedule of events at https://www.chocolatechurcharts.org/events

Box Office Hours:
Wednesday - Friday 11 AM - 3 PM

For the latest information, please visit: https://www.chocolatechurcharts.org