The Cyclorama building, the centerpiece of the Boston Center for the Arts, has a long history since it opened in 1884 to huge circular displays of historic scenes. Now adapted to the many activities of the BCA, its main hall has been the space for many events including opera impresario Sarah Caldwell’s performance of Louise in 1980 and artist Judy Chicago’s exhibition, Dinner Party, in 1990. A lower floor includes three small theaters, the Community Music Center, and the Boston Ballet Costume Shop. The BCA’s goal is to “connect arts to the community” by supporting working artists “to create, perform, and exhibit new work.” Its complex of buildings includes studio and rehearsal space for artists in the old Smith Organ building. It is a co-sponsor with Boston University of the Huntington Theater Company’s new theater named for Virginia Wimberly (1936–2004), a piano teacher and philanthropist.
