The Louis F. Tanner Family purchased the building from the federal government on September 13, 1975. When this beautiful, 1913 Neo-classical building was purchased, the intentions of the Tanner Family were for the property to be developed and maintained as a cultural center for the perpetuation of the arts and history of the community, and to be a place for those efforts to be displayed, taught, and practiced.
The creation of such a center was a long-held dream of Mabel DeVries Tanner. Mrs. Tanner was born in New York City on August 2, 1898. She came to Morgantown with her husband Louis immediately after their marriage in 1924. Mrs. Tanner founded the Morgantown Players, a highly active community theatre group. She was a critic of the arts for the local newspapers for forty years and remained devoted to the arts until her death in 1974. Mabel Tanner had envisioned a facility complete with theatre, art gallery, exhibit area, classrooms and workshop space, that would house the performing and creative arts and provide a central point from which to foster the arts and encourage their growth.
In June,1976 the Monongalia County Arts Association, Inc. was chartered (dba Monongalia Arts Center). After two years of planning and development, the MAC opened its doors to the public in June of 1978. The Benedum Gallery was established in 1979 when funding was received from the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation. Also in 1979, the building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. In January, 1981 the Mabel DeVries Tanner Theatre was dedicated and was home to the MACplayers until 2008. Then in July of 2008, M.T. Pockets Theatre Company absorbed MACplayers and became MAC's resident theatre organization, breathing new life and energy into our already vibrant facility.
Parking is a breeze with parking lots behind Madeleine’s restaurant. Also look on the corner of Pleasant and Chestnut Streets beside Black Bear Burrito which allows for 10-hour parking. Street parking is almost always available on Chestnut Street just behind MAC or in front of the Harley O'Staggers Building (aka "the old post office").
Stop by to check your email on our free WiFi and read a book while seated at our bistro tables on the sidewalk in the summer. We can’t wait to see you!
