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Celebrating 62 years on the Comstock

Please check our Calendar Page for Open Days

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Built in 1875, St. Mary’s Art Center is the Grand Dame of Virginia City and is a cornerstone in the National Historic Landmark. High up in the Virginia Range mountains, perched near old gold and silver mine shafts. St. Mary’s Art Center was originally St. Marie Louise Hospital for the Comstock miners, and later Storey County Hospital. After the Gold and Silver Rush declined and populations decreased again in the 1940's, the property was left vacant for twenty years and fell into deep disrepair.  It was saved in the 1964 by Father Meinecke and Louise Curran, who had great foresight and a plan. The property was dedicated to the Arts and Culture and became a living, vibrant Art Center, now celebrating our 62nd year.

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St. Mary’s Art Center is an inclusive, welcoming place with many arts and culture programs where creativity can be explored in an atmosphere of quiet beauty.  With 15 guest rooms, art studio, print room, fine art galleries, library, theatre, and more...it is a unique gem on the Comstock and Northern Nevada. Just far enough off the beaten track to be peaceful but close enough to the eclectically, historic landmark town of Virginia City to find a wholly unique atmosphere, eccentric characters and fun things to do. This four-story, gabled, red brick structure with Doric columns sits on land donated by Mary Louise Mackay, wife of one of the four Bonanza Kings.  The Center is also available for rent year-round for creative workshops, artist retreats, functions, private events, weddings and groups.

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Let us take you on a magical journey into the world of St Mary’s, Virginia City then and now, surrounded by the artworks of established and emerging artists.  We offer self-guided tours in English and Spanish and are expanding our tours in 2026 to include virtual tours in English, Spanish, English Sign, and Spanish Sign languages.  We also offer multiple special events and classes.

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St. Mary’s is situated approximately 40 minutes from Lake Tahoe and only 25 minutes from Reno and Carson City. Take a class or wander through our 6 galleries, our fantastic historical exhibition, and view original art works by established local and regional artists.​​