Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center

The Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center is a multi-purpose cultural space in the southeast community of Newport News, VA. The building is owned and operated by the Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Department of the City of Newport News.

The center houses several event spaces and large/small group gathering rooms available for event rental. The core of the Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center is the Ella Fitzgerald Theater, a 276-seat venue named for the “first lady of song.” Other event spaces in the building include the Anderson Johnson Gallery, the Newport News Community Gallery, the Thaddeus Hayes Dance Studio, an art studio, a music room, classroom studio spaces, the L. Marian Poe Meeting Room, the banquet room, and the Charles C. Allen Execute Board Room.