Cunneen-Hackett Arts Center
Mid-Hudson
Cunneen-Hackett Arts Center
http://www.cunnen-hackett.org
9 &12 Vassar Street
Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
Phone: (845) 486-4571
Hours: Monday through Friday 9 am – 5 pm for #9 Vassar Street. For #12 Vassar Street call or visit the website listed above for a calendar of events and their times.
Notes: Gallery for both #9 and #12 Vassar Street are free. Events at the theater in #12 Vassar Street vary in price. Visit their website or call the Arts Center for list of events and prices.
Historical Description:
Formerly owned by John Guy Vassar and Matthew Vassar Jr., these two buildings have always been established with spreading arts and culture to the Poughkeepsie area. The Vassar family dedicated their lives to improving the Hudson River Valley area and these two nephews of Vassar College founder didn’t let the family name down. In 1883 these brothers sought out establishments to further enrich the community they lived in. The #9 Vassar Street building was designed and used as a home for aging men and the #12 Vassar Street building was established to share with the community Arts, Culture, and the discussion of science and nature.
The Site:
The Theater Building, #12 Vassar Street, is home to a recently renovated 200 seat theater, a 1200 square foot dance studio, a music teaching studio, and two artist lofts. Activities that one could partake at #12 Vassar Street include adult tap dancing classes, music/voice/fine arts classes and workshops, doll making, Tai Chi, acting classes for kids, theater camp, and many more. The building at #9 Vassar Street lays claim to non-profit organizations including the McCann Foundation, the Association for Senior Citizens, the Interfaith Council, and the Dutchess County Arts Council. The main floor of the building also houses a hallway gallery for local and regional artists to display their works of art.
Directions:
From Mid-Hudson/FD Roosevelt Bridge, cross the bridge, stay in the left lane, then move into far left lane at 1st traffic signal. Turn left and go to 1st stop sign. Turn right on Union Street for ½ block and left onto Bridge Street. At 1st traffic light turn right onto Main Street for ½ block and then left onto Vassar Street. The theatre is mid-block on the left.
From Rte 9, north or south, take Main Street/River District/Poughkeepsie exit ramp. Take Main Street East bound (opposite way from the Hudson River). Go through 3 traffic signals turn left on Vassar Street; the theatre is mid-block on left.
