Music
The music scene has grown in recent years to include all styles of music. Rochester Civic Music was established as a city department in 1936 to "furnish music upon the streets and upon public grounds and places in the city of Rochester." Today, live music remains an integral part of Rochester's entertainment scene. Civic Music produces several ensembles featuring local musicians, including the 60-member Concert Band. One of the most popular programs is "Down by the Riverside" which fills Mayo Park every week in the summer with free concerts of various musical genres. Local bands also can be seen at a number of venues throughout the community every week.Popular music and travelling shows also come to the area with Minneapolis being one of the biggest hubs in the music industry.
Art Galleries
Ten art galleries in Rochester offer residents a chance to see art from around the world. Mayo Clinic allows walking tours of their artwork and sculptures and features the work of internationally renowned artists including Warhol, Agam, and others.Rochester Art Center, besides providing gallery space for local and national artists, provides art courses and art education. The new art center will attract much larger collections and shows, including international art.
There are also numerous small private galleries and photo studios throughout Rochester specializing in many styles. The Southeastern Minnesota Visual Artists (SEMVA) feature a gallery located in the Peace Plaza. The collection includes everything from pottery to oil paintings by regional artists.
The new art center in Rochester hosts regional exhibits and international ones as well.
Theatre
Rochester has some of the best theatre in the area with numerous professional and amateur production companies. Rochester Civic Theatre offers seven productions each year including two youth and five stage shows. It also produces "Characters in History" and a youth theatre company that performs in the area. The Masque Theatre Company also stages productions throughout the area and is comprised of students of all ages.Various amateur and experimental theatre companies are also present in the community. Such companies as the Vertigo Theatre Company and the Commonweal Theatre Company write and produce their own plays, and have won numerous awards for their work.
Museums and Tours
Mayo Clinic offers daily tours through the famous medical center, including a medical museum. If you are interested in area history, visit the Olmsted County History Center. It is here that the Olmsted Historical Society maintains a large collection of historical artifacts and interactive displays. Nearby is Mayowood Mansion where Dr. Charles H. Mayo resided.Assisi Heights offers visitors a tour through their building as well as a fascinating view of Rochester from above. If you're interested in the outdoors, Rochester offers Quarry Hill Nature Center as well as numerous other parks and wooded areas.
