The History

In 1999, a unique partnership was formed by the Renton Community, Renton School District, City of Renton, and the Renton Community Foundation. The result was an example of private and public entities working together to make both tax and private dollars stretch in new and creative ways.

A $500,000 pledge from IKEA secured naming rights. Other major funding came from voter approved Renton School District revenue, the City of Renton, the Washington Building for the Arts Program, the Boeing Company, Renton Rotary, Alex and Norma Cugini, First Savings Bank of Renton, King County Journal Newspapers, King County Arts Commission, Kreielsheimer Foundation and the PACCAR Foundation.

Designed by Northwest Architectural Company, and built by Levernier Construction, Inc., the center includes a wrap-around lobby, spacious dressing rooms, a 35 foot fly space, restrooms, on-site parking and parking in municipal parking garage.

On June 6, 2003 the Renton IKEA Performing Arts Center opened its doors for the Gala Celebration for Donors. Since that date, countless events have been successfully enjoyed by Renton High School, the City of Renton, and the Renton Community. Arts organizations including the Rainier Symphony, the Renton City Concert Band, Ensemble Ballet Theatre, Evergreen City Ballet and others are calling the Renton IKEA Performing Arts Center home.

Our Mission

The Renton IKEA  Performing Arts Center is  a venue for student  theatrical training, a home for local and regional  artists and is dedicated to providing outstanding cultural programming for the community.

Our Future

Our goal is to provide a home for local artists, a touring venue for regional artists, and cultural programming for both the Renton School District and the community. Lecture series, concert series, and community performances have added value to our community since the opening of the doors in 2003.