arts & culture
Central Street is a vibrant, eclectic and artistic neighborhood business district where you’ll find museums, public art, galleries, design shops, and schools for the performing arts.
museums
Central Street is full of creative inspiration. Bookended by renowned cultural institutions, the Evanston Art Center and the Gichigamiin Indigenous Nations Museum offer innovative programming for all ages.
The Evanston Art Center is a non-profit that inspires art education, exhibitions and expression for all. For more than 90 years, the Evanston Art Center has offered art classes to students of all ages while showcasing inspiring art exhibits from local, global and student artists. The Evanston Art Center invites you to come take an art class, support a local artist, connect with a global artist, or simply feel at home.
Evanston Art Center
The Gichigamiin Indigenous Nations Museum
Museum closed July 20–September 30 for renovations and new exhibit installation. Click here for more information.
The Gichigamiin Indigenous Nations Museum is one of only a handful of museums across the country that focuses exclusively on the art, history and culture of Native American and First Nation peoples from throughout the United States and Canada. It promotes public understanding of cultural diversity through first voice perspectives. Since its founding in 1977, the Mitchell Museum has evolved into a cherished resource of collections, exhibits, programs and activities that introduce visitors from throughout the Chicago region to the cultures of American Indians.
public art
Take the Central Street mural tour! From the east end to the west end, you’ll discover nine public art murals. Learn more about the murals that adorn our district and the artists that created them. Visit the Google Map Finder.
Murals photographed by Emma Rose Gudewicz and Becca Heuer Photography.
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Homage to Sondra Mural
Location: 1732 Central Street (Back of Building)
Artist: Teresa Parod
This mural was painted as a tribute to Sondra, a beautifully eccentric storytelling neighbor who lived on Teresa’s street and passed several years ago. Sondra told stories about having lunch with Picasso, eating lobster at the White House, and hugging John Travolta. -
Connections Mural
Location: UP-Metra Underpass Green Bay Road & Central Street
Artist: Nick Goettling
“Connections” is the theme of the mural located under the UP-Metra Underpass. The Evanston Art Center partnered with the Evanston Mural Arts Program (EMAP) and Central Street Evanston to revitalize a critical connecting route – the Union Pacific / Metra underpass at Green Bay Rd. and Central St. Artist Nick Goettling visually reflects the diverse local community and embraces the power of public art. -
Birds of Concern Mural
Location: 1901 Central Street and Green Bay Rd.
Artist: Tyrue Slang Jones
Birds of Concern depicts three bird species threatened by climate change: the Blackburnian Warbler, the Red-headed Woodpecker, and the American Kestrel. This project was made possible by the Audoban Mural Project, a national public art initiative bringing public attention to the effects of climate change on bird populations.Community Partners: Central Street Evanston, Evanston North Shore Bird Club
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Spools of Thread Mural
Location: 2608 Green Bay Road (Alley)
Artist: Teresa Parod
This mural pays tribute to the adjacent sewing shop. Painted on the side of the building, the mural’s brightly-colored spools of thread and sewing tools grace the alley. -
The Fiddler Mural
Location: 1920 Central Street (Alley)
Artists: Ani Kramer & Teresa Parod
The fiddler mural was painted as a tribute to the late artist Wesley Kramer. Wesley’s sister, Teresa Parod, and daughter, Ani Kramer, re-created one of his prints on the side of a building as a way to keep his art going for all to enjoy. -
Jay Ryan Mural
Location: 1945 Central Street Alley
Artist: Jay Ryan
Renowned artist Jay Ryan of The Bird Machine in Chicago is known for his screen-printed posters, but he also paints large-scale murals on the side of the buildings. This mural celebrates the many characters that make up Central Street, and is visible on the side of the building in the alley. -
All You Need Is Love Community Mural
Location: 2126 Central Street and Hartrey Avenue
Artists: Sholo Beverly, Robyn McMurray Hurtig, and the community. This cheerful neighborhood mural came to life in June of 2026 and celebrates love and community and spans the length of the entire outside wall along Hartrey Ave. -
Elevate Curt's Cafe Mural
Location: 2922 Central St. and Lincolnwood Dr.
Artists: Sholo Beverly & Curt’s Cafe Students
The design utilizes surrealism to capture the students’ feelings of dreaming and journeying. “Elevate” signifies elevating personal growth. This project was led by Art Encounter and funded through a community resiliency grant for the City of Evanston and the Evanston Arts Council. -
The Fat Shallot Mural
Location: 2902 Central Street Back Patio
Artists: Alex Bradley Cohen, Nicola Florimbi, and Vivian Maud Cohen
This mural celebrates community and fellowship. The premise of the mural was inspired by Lois Armstrong’s “It’s a Wonderful World” and counteracts some of the social polarization that we are currently faced with. The mural celebrates diversity of life and tolerance for difference.
performing arts
Creative inspiration is everywhere on Central Street, and those seeking a performing arts education can learn to play an instrument, sing opera, and take classical ballet lessons. Whether young or young at heart, Central Street offers special experiences for everyone.
Evanston School of Ballet
1933 Central Street
The school is directed by Kerry Hubata and was founded in 1968 by Kerry Hubata and Phyllis Wills. It is dedicated entirely to education in classical ballet and includes work from pre-ballet through professional levels. Students can expect a sound technical preparation for professional work, and classes that meet the interest of students who wish to study ballet for personal enrichment and fitness.
*Don't forget to visit Allegro Dance boutique for all your dancewear needs!
Music Conservatory of Illinois
2809 Central Street
At the Music Conservatory of Illinois, every student is unique and has their own learning style. Teaching methods are tailored to each individual student to help them achieve their full potential. The Music Conservatory aims to provide a supportive and nurturing environment where students can explore their creativity and develop their musical skills. Explore lessons in piano, voice, guitar, ukulele, violin, and more!
Explore the shops, restaurants, and studios that call Central Street home.
