Atlantic City Art Center on Garden Pier

In a city reputed for its glitzy casinos and busy boardwalk, the Atlantic City Art Center on Garden Pier is a welcome cultural respite. The Art Center surfaces from a sea of gaudy excess with high quality art exhibitions featuring national, regional, and local artists. With exhibits changing monthly or bi-monthly, the Art Center's three galleries offer a new experience with every visit, featuring painting, sculpture, and photography of various styles.

Exiting the art exhibitions, visitors enjoy the abundance of flower gardens on Garden Pier and a breathtaking view of the bustling Atlantic City beach and boardwalk. Erected in 1913, Garden Pier derived sophistication from Spanish Renaissance architecture and intricate landscaping, setting it apart from the cluttered boardwalk. Garden Pier has been home to the Broadway-quality B. F. Keith's Theater and a large outdoor concert venue throughout the years. Most recently restored in 1994, the pier provides both structural and historical support for the Art Center and the Atlantic City Historical Museum.

Along with art exhibitions, the Art Center presents educational outreach programs, artist lectures, readings by authors, and concerts, along with other various cultural events. On the first Sunday of every month, the current exhibiting artists participate in receptions open to the public. Through these outreach programs, the Art Center invites visitors and citizens to have an interactive experience and explore new facets of creativity.

With free admission, the Atlantic City Art Center on Garden Pier is a haven for both gamblers and non-gamblers alike seeking shelter from the over saturated storm of Atlantic City.

- Emily Currier