FIREHOUSE CENTER FOR THE ARTS

Firehouse Center for the Arts is a nonprofit performing arts venue at 1 Market Square in Newburyport, Massachusetts. The 191-seat Arakelian Theater overlooks Waterfront Park in downtown Newburyport. The historic building has served the community for over 200 years in various capacities.

Programming includes dance, concerts, drama, musicals, film screenings, new works, and children's performances. The intimate 191-seat theater provides close audience-to-stage proximity. The venue also serves as a rental space for community and private events.

The building was constructed in 1822 as a Markethouse and Lyceum by the citizens of Newburyport. It later served as the town's Central Fire Station from the mid-1800s until 1980. A cooperative restoration effort by public and private sectors converted the structure into a performing arts center, with the Firehouse Center for the Arts established in 1991.