the renaissance center

I really enjoy going here to see plays and other performances, but it seems as in the past few years the overall quality has gone down some. When the whole purpose of the building is theatre and the arts for the community, budget cuts to those programs aren't exactly recommended. You can really tell when a production is under-staffed and the performers have to multitask as stage hands too. Still though, I do recommend going to see a play. Hopefully soon they can get a better budget and do some bigger named performances.

If you like art, they have a gallery that they are always updating with new artists. They have art for sale as well. There is a gift shop where you can purchase some locally made pieces. They also have a planetarium where you can go to see educational shows as well as " Laser Shows" featuring Pink Floyd, Metallica etc...

I love this place. It offers a lot of things that otherwise our small community may not get a chance to experience. me and my kids love going to the plays and I love that a lot of these productions use local kids and talent. prices are affordable.Laser shows are also awesome.

The Renaissance Center has been a real blessing to the Dickson community since 1999, bringing fine arts exhibits, plays & music theater, local offerings from regional universities, etc. It's an amazing facility for a town our size, and I'm told it draws people from 75 miles away for events and classes. On Nov 19, 2013, Clarksville Online reported, "Freed-Hardeman University has reached an agreement with the Jackson Foundation to assume ownership of the Renaissance Center in Dickson, Tennessee, and offer a four-year undergraduate program and graduate degrees on site, the first such program in Dickson’s history...Under the agreement, the current “Renaissance Center” name and mission will remain intact. In addition to offering college courses, Freed-Hardeman will continue to operate the Renaissance Center as a community venue for a variety of activities such as classes, meeting space and performances... The Jackson Foundation created the Renaissance Center in 1999 as part of its mission to inspire excitement about education among both youth and adults. Designed as a fine arts and technology learning center, the facility, which opened in 1999, cost $18 million to build plus $7 million for fixtures, furniture, equipment and technology. The Renaissance Center includes 110,000 square feet of classroom space, conference rooms, film and video production studios, theater areas, offices, and more."

The exhibits are great here and the ambiance is much greater than expected for a rural community. I especially like the live musical performances and the dinner theatre. And the planetarium is on par w/much offerings in much bigger cities.

Wonderful time enjoyed the art . The star show is great . people very friendly .Store had average prices. There is classes offered so kids can learn. I hope to go again

I have taken several classes here... friendly people, support the community, offers college course, love the artisan shop, they have great shows, plays, & musicals for the community to participate in or just enjoy

They offer different types of classes, shows, tours. Its just a real family friendly place. Schools tend to take field trips to see what shows they have playing.

Possibilities are limitless! They have educational classes, interesting items to purchase, many things to see and tweak your artsy side! They offer a summer camp.... In a cave, plays, dance recitals, art shows and live dinner theater! Visit online to learnore and get schedules!

The "Ren Center", as we locals call it, is an educational must see for those visiting Dickson. This facility was built with donated profits from the sale of a local hospital by the Jackson family. The Jackson family has a long and wide history in the medical field and still practices in our town, today. The Ren Center is a combination of educational classes, mostly in liberal arts, but also deep into computer technologies and broadcast media. The giant "ball" structure houses a 360 degree laser light theatre and the center also runs stage plays. Although this is in small town Dickson, it draws a lot of talent and interest from nearby Nashville (30ish miles away) so one can find some great entertainment. I would recommend this for anyone, especially families, who are more educational oriented. It is not a cheesy tourist trap at all. It has always stood by it's founder's dream of promoting higher education. If you are in the area around Christmas time, the giant Christmas tree in the lobby (30+ ft.) is a great photo spot for holiday pics. Free to enter and look around, Fees apply to laser shows and plays.

I was so impressed. It is truly something for the community to be proud of it. This is really an excellent way to expand the educational opportunity of the area.

This is a really neat place to visit. Great gift shop where you can buy one of a kind items. I love the hand made soaps and artisin bread!

the pageant was held here, this place is beautiful!

|Very interesting and fun for the family..great laser light shows

I travel to Dickson to see family regularly and wheneer we can fit it in we go to the Renaissance Center to see a show. The food is great and the performances are excellent.