Flushing Town Hall, home of the Flushing Council on Culture and the Arts, has completed the second phase of an extensive $6 million restoration. Thanks to much-needed structural improvements, the hall now accommodates a variety of cultural events, including art exhibitions, concerts, educational programs and cultural festivals.

The Town Hall Galleries are a lively venue for contemporary art, emphasizing artists who live or work in Queens. Exhibits change about five times a year. A permanent exhibit in the Visitors' Center depicts the hall's role in the social, political and cultural life of the late 19th century, as well as the story of the building's reclamation. The intimate wood-paneled Jazz Cafe, which houses a photographic exhibit of jazz artists who have performed there, is used for a Thursday-night series featuring jazz legends as well as mid-career and emerging musicians. The Main Gallery is also put to use as a recital hall for chamber music and other performances.

Built in 1862 in the Romanesque Revival style, Town Hall has served Flushing over the years in a variety of ways. During the Civil War, it was an assembly point for Union recruits. P.T. Barnum, the sideshow impresario, used the structure as a showcase for the likes of Tom Thumb. It has also been used as a bank, police station, jail, grand ballroom and courthouse.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Hours: Wednesday-Friday 10 am-5 pm; Thursday, live jazz at 8 pm and 10 pm; Saturday, Sunday 12-5 pm; closed Monday, Tuesday
Admission: Adults $2, seniors and students $1, children under 12 free
Giftshop: Arts, crafts, stationery, souvenirs
Disability Access: Fully accessible; rest rooms available
Flushing Town Hall, home of the Flushing Council on Culture and the Arts, has completed the second phase of an extensive $6 million restoration. Thanks to much-needed structural improvements, the hall now accommodates a variety of cultural events, including art exhibitions, concerts, educational programs and cultural festivals.

The Town Hall Galleries are a lively venue for contemporary art, emphasizing artists who live or work in Queens. Exhibits change about five times a year. A permanent exhibit in the Visitors' Center depicts the hall's role in the social, political and cultural life of the late 19th century, as well as the story of the building's reclamation. The intimate wood-paneled Jazz Cafe, which houses a photographic exhibit of jazz artists who have performed there, is used for a Thursday-night series featuring jazz legends as well as mid-career and emerging musicians. The Main Gallery is also put to use as a recital hall for chamber music and other performances.

Built in 1862 in the Romanesque Revival style, Town Hall has served Flushing over the years in a variety of ways. During the Civil War, it was an assembly point for Union recruits. P.T. Barnum, the sideshow impresario, used the structure as a showcase for the likes of Tom Thumb. It has also been used as a bank, police station, jail, grand ballroom and courthouse.

Directions: Subway: 7 to Main Street, Flushing; Bus: Q12, Q17, Q26, Q44, to 41st Avenue
Parking: On public streets
Landmark Status: National Register of Historic Places, New York City Landmark
City-owned, privately operated

(Description from www.nyc-arts.org)

Contact: info@flushingtownhall.com