The Foundry Art Centre resides in what was once a train car factory; a 1940’s structure formerly owned by American Car & Foundry. Rather than demolish the 36,800 square foot building, the community of St. Charles worked tirelessly to complete a 2.2 million dollar renovation and opened the regions’ premiere, interactive, interdisciplinary art center in the spring of 2004.



As a vibrant home to the arts, the Foundry Art Centre raises awareness and appreciation of the arts throughout the region. Alive with activity, the Center’s programming reinforces the importance of the arts and helps ensure that arts and culture remain vital. Artists, patrons, young people and the community at large continually find new ways to interact at this unique facility.

The Foundry Art Centre includes 5,200 square feet of Smithsonian-caliber exhibition space to host national exhibitions. Special touring exhibitions involving a variety of media, curated exhibits and juried competitions are displayed in the galleries.

The Grand Hall provides space for performances and community concerts. Past performances include Erin Bode, St. Charles Symphony Orchestra, Robert Shaw, Arthur Migliazza, Riverside Shakespeare, Larry Alexander, Citilites West and Carol Beth True.

The public’s active participation continues to make the Foundry Art Centre successful in their mission to bring together the arts, artists, and the community through exhibitions, studio space, performing arts, and educational programs.