Center for the Arts

The Center for the Arts of Greater Manassas/Prince William County sponsors theatrical productions for children and adults, teaches arts classes, promotes visual arts and provides community outreach programs for local youth. Founded in 1984 by a group of artists and art lovers, the Center aims to enrich the quality of life in the Northern Virginia suburbs through arts performance and education. A theater, an art gallery and classrooms are located in the historic Candy Factory building in Old Town Manassas, at 9419 Battle Street.

The level of programming at the Center for the Arts has increased dramatically with our move to the Old Hopkins Candy Factory in November of 2002. This three story historic brick building was owned by the Caton Merchant family of Merchant’s, Inc. It was donated to the City of Manassas by Merchants, Inc., specifically to house the Center for the Arts and expanded cultural activities. The Candy Factory houses a theater in the round, classroom and office space and an art gallery. Restoration of the Candy Factory began in August 2001 and was completed in October 2002, when the Center for the Arts took residence.