Arkley Center for the Performing Arts
The beautiful Arkley Center for the Performing Arts started life on December 16, 1920, as the Sweasey Theater, a venue for movies and vaudeville named for Richard Sweasey, the then-mayor of Eureka. After a disastrous fire destroyed the interior, the building was taken over and restored by Loew’s Inc and reopened in 1921 as Loew’s State Theater. After more than 50 years as a movie palace, the Loew’s closed in 1973 and was turned into an annex of Daly’s Department Store. Daly’s closed in 1995, and for some years the building stood vacant. In 2003, Rob and Cherie Arkley purchased it and restoration work began. In 2007 it re-reopened as the welcoming arts venue it is today. The exterior maintains the impressive Moorish Revival style created by architects James and Merritt Reid, while the interior has been totally redone to host today’s most demanding productions. With its grand lobby, spacious performance area, and comfortable seating for 750, the Eureka Symphony is proud to call the Arkley Center home.
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible seating is available for the Arkley Center for the Performing Arts and may be ordered online, in person or by phone. These seats are clearly marked with a purple handicapped symbol on our website seat selection tool.
There are no elevators to service the upper theatre levels. All seating in the Orchestra section will accommodate patrons who are unable to climb stairs. Ushers are available for seating assistance. For additional assistance, please contact our Ticket Office at 707-845-3655.
Parking
The parking lot is located directly across from the Arkley Center, but space is limited. Additional lots are located at 3rd and G Streets. Street parking is also available.
Driving Directions from the South
Enter Eureka using US-101 N, continue straight on Broadway for 2 miles until it turns slightly right and becomes 5th Street, continue on 5th Street for a half mile, turn left on G Street.
Driving Directions from the North
Enter Eureka using US-101 S, continue straight on. 4thStreet for 1 mile, turn left on G Street.
