East Hawaii Cultural Center, cultural center in Hilo, Hawaii
The East Hawaii Cultural Center is a building in downtown Hilo built in 1932 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It contains three ground-floor galleries with rotating exhibitions of contemporary art and a small theater upstairs for performances and live events.
The building originally served as the Hilo Police Station and County Courthouse before being converted into a cultural venue. This transformation preserved the historic structure while enabling new creative activities to serve the community.
The center showcases Hawaiian traditions alongside contemporary art that reflects the island community's diverse identity. Visitors encounter works by local and international artists displayed together with exhibits focused on native customs, stories, and cultural practices.
The center is located in downtown Hilo near Kalakaua Park and is easily accessible on foot, with parking available nearby. Gallery admission is free, while workshops and classes are offered for a fee, and it is recommended to check the website for current schedules and programming.
The center organized the first digital art exhibit in 2002 that traveled worldwide, demonstrating early commitment to merging technology with traditional art forms. This exhibition exemplified the center's dedication to sharing local artistic innovation across the islands and beyond.
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