The Peace Center

Janet Benoir

By Janet Benoir | June 30, 2025

Tucked alongside the banks of the Reedy River in the heart of downtown Greenville, South Carolina, the Peace Center stands as a dynamic powerhouse of performance, creativity, and connection. This six-acre destination pulses with artistic energy year-round, transforming every visit into an exhilarating encounter with excellence. Whether you’re a fan of Broadway hits, classical concerts, or spirited local productions, the Peace Center offers a live arts experience that leaves a lasting mark.

A Cultural Landmark with Roots in Community

What sets the Peace Center apart is its rich backstory rooted in community spirit. Once the site of Greenville’s textile industry, the grounds have been thoughtfully reimagined into a vibrant performing arts campus, thanks to local support and vision. Since its grand opening in 1990, the Peace Center has been more than a stage; it has served as the artistic soul of the city.

Everything about the Peace Center speaks to a purpose-driven mission: to enrich lives, unite communities, and spark transformation through the arts. Its values are felt throughout the guest experience—from its welcoming atmosphere and high standards to its drive to continuously evolve.

Designed for Awe, Built for Sound

The architecture here doesn’t just make a statement; it sings. With acoustically rich performance spaces and a setting that merges historic preservation with contemporary design, the Peace Center offers an immersive environment that elevates every show. The main Peace Concert Hall is an acoustic marvel, known nationally among performers for its sound quality and visual grandeur.

The experience extends beyond the hall:

  • Gunter Theatre: An intimate space perfect for chamber music, lectures, and smaller productions
  • TD Stage: An outdoor venue set against the scenic Reedy River, ideal for summer concerts and community festivals
  • Certus Loft and Wyche Pavilion: Flexible event spaces with rustic charm and urban flair, popular for weddings and private celebrations
  • Huguenot Mill: A restored 19th-century textile mill blending old-world character with new-world function
  • Genevieve’s Lounge: A stylish theatre lounge where guests can unwind before or after a show

Each venue plays a role in making the Peace Center a multifaceted cultural campus where performance and gathering are always intertwined.

The Shows That Light Up the Stage

Broadway sensations, symphonic masterworks, world-famous solo acts, and local favorites all share the spotlight at the Peace Center. The calendar pulses with life—from high-profile touring productions to hometown talents.

The Center serves as the proud home to five of Greenville’s finest resident companies:

  • Carolina Ballet Theatre
  • Greenville Chorale
  • Greenville Symphony Orchestra
  • International Ballet
  • South Carolina Children’s Theatre

Their performances provide a diverse range of programming that welcomes audiences of every age and artistic interest. The result is a living, breathing creative scene where audiences are constantly invited to discover something fresh, powerful, and moving.

Events That Go Beyond Entertainment

The Peace Center isn’t limited to traditional performances. Its campus is also a magnet for gatherings of every kind. From corporate meetings and galas to community celebrations and holiday parties, its venue options and experienced staff provide a seamless setting for events that impress.

What makes these spaces even more impactful is the sense of legacy and purpose baked into their walls. A business luncheon held inside the Huguenot Mill carries echoes of Greenville’s industrial past, while a wedding at the Wyche Pavilion feels simultaneously timeless and of-the-moment.

A Place That Welcomes All

Accessibility and community engagement are at the heart of everything the Peace Center does. The campus is thoughtfully designed to welcome everyone, regardless of age or mobility. Initiatives like student matinees and artist residencies expand the reach of the arts beyond the stage and into classrooms and neighborhoods across the Upstate region.

The Peace Center also relies on a dedicated network of volunteers, all passionate about sharing their love of the arts. They serve as ushers, guides, and ambassadors, helping to create an inclusive, smooth experience from the lobby to the final curtain call.

Practical Info and Planning Tips

For those planning a visit, the Peace Center is conveniently located at 300 South Main Street, right in the downtown core. It’s within walking distance of hotels, restaurants, parks, and shops, making it easy to build a full day or weekend around a performance.

  • Box Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM
  • Concert Hall Location: Southwest corner of Main and Broad Street
  • Phone: 864.467.3000 or toll-free at 800.888.7768
  • Website: Peace Center Official Site

From digital ticketing and seating charts to detailed “Know Before You Go” resources, the Peace Center makes planning straightforward and stress-free.

Why It Matters

The Peace Center is more than a place to see a show. It’s where Greenville comes together. It’s where artistry thrives and audiences leave transformed. And it continues to evolve, constantly raising the bar for what a regional performing arts center can be.

Through community, excellence, and a relentless spirit of inspiration, the Peace Center has become a cornerstone of downtown Greenville life—and an essential stop for anyone craving a meaningful connection with live performance. Whether it’s your first time through the doors or your fiftieth, the energy is unmistakable. At the Peace Center, the curtain may rise and fall, but the impact stays with you.