Arts & Culture
A haven for those with creative minds, Vero Beach offers multifaceted cultural experiences
Start with a trip to the Vero Beach theater, meander the halls of the Vero Beach Museum of Art, or immerse yourself in Florida’s flora and fauna at the Sunken Gardens. Expand your horizons at Costa d’Este.
Refined Entertainment
Arts abound with theatres, museums, galleries and shops
Since its early days, Vero Beach has attracted artists, writers, and poets alike. The 18-acre McKee Botanical Garden opened in 1932. Vero Beach Theatre Guild held its first production in 1958. In 1966, Vero Beach Concert Association was formed, and in 1974, the 615-seat Riverside Theatre held its first production.
In 1994, Vero Beach was named one of the best small art towns in America by John Villiani in his book, The 100 Best Small Art Towns in America. The criteria included location, quality of life, climate, available cultural activities, economic impact of the arts, active galleries and art festivals, and the opinion of artists who are members of each community. The accredited, 55,000 square foot Vero Beach Museum of Art is the largest cultural arts facility of its kind on Florida's Treasure Coast.
Performing Arts
VERO BEACH OPERA
Under the direction of Roman Ortega-Cowan, artistic director, the Vero Beach Opera will present three operatic concerts starring Metropolitan opera stars, Deborah Voigt and Susan Neves, as well as a full opera Madama Butterfly, in cooperation with the Orlando Opera.
RIVERSIDE THEATRE
All of Riverside Theatre's events are produced in-house using The Acting Company's staff. Under the direction of artistic director Allen D. Cornell, sets, props, lights, and costumes are designed and built on-site. Actors, designers, and directors from New York and other areas of the country are brought in for two and a half weeks of rehearsals, and up to four weeks of performances.
RIVERSIDE CHILDREN'S THEATRE
Riverside Children's Theatre is the youth oriented educational arm of the non-profit Riverside Theatre, Inc. The largest youth theatre in the state of Florida operating in its own facility, RCT provides after school and summer programming, and performance opportunities for local youth. An active outreach and scholarship program seeks to involve all the children in Indian River County, no matter their circumstances, assisting them in developing confidence, discipline, and self-esteem. Refer to the theatre website for a full listing of performances and classes.
VERO BEACH HIGH SCHOOL PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
Performing Arts group from VBHS are recognized at both the state and national levels, consistently receiving "Superior" ratings and "First Place" awards. It is the mission of the VBHS PAC to provide a location for enjoyable and professional artistic outlets, and education and gratification of the Vero Beach School student body, as well as the surrounding community. Check the "Performing Arts" tab on the school's website for more information.
Museums & Attractions
VERO BEACH MUSEUM OF ART
The Vero Beach Museum of Art, the largest cultural arts facility of its kind on Florida’s Treasure Coast, is a precious cultural gem that is admired and appreciated by residents and tourists alike. Situated on 7 acres of Indian River County’s 26 acre Riverside Park, on the east bank of the Indian River lagoon, this accredited art museum and educational institution provides cultural leadership and enrichment for the public. With a wide variety of educational, studio art, humanities programs, a diversity of quality exhibitions, and the collection, preservation, and presentation of important American and international works of art, it's no wonder the Vero Beach Museum of Art is so well loved in the community.
MEL FISHER'S TREASURE MUSEUM
Come view a spectacular collection of Spanish artifacts from the Nuestra Señora de Atocha, its sister ship the Santa Margarita, which sank 40 miles west of Key West, and the 1715 Plate fleet which sank on Florida's east coast—all found by the world's greatest treasure hunter, Mel Fisher.
Hours of operation: Monday - Saturday 10 am - 5 pm -- Sunday 12 - 5 pm
MCKEE BOTANICAL GARDEN
McKee Botanical Garden, Inc. is a private, not-for-profit cultural organization located in Vero Beach, Florida, with the mission of “nurturing and enhancing a historic garden in a unique subtropical setting for the education, enjoyment and enrichment of all."