Glen Echo Park is one of the finest cultural resources in the Washington, DC area. It is home to 14 resident artists and arts organizations, a thriving social dance program, a restored 1921 Dentzel Carousel, two award-winning children's theaters, a weekend drop-in art program for children, numerous art studios and galleries, a nature program, and hundreds of classes in visual and performing arts,
including ceramics, painting, photography, glass, music, dance, and more. These activities, as well as free summer concerts, festivals, and special events bring thousands of visitors to the Park each year. The Park began in the 1890s as a Chautauqua retreat and soon became the premier Washington area amusement park, serving the community until 1968. The federal government acquired the land in order to preserve the Potomac Palisades and prevent development along the river. The management of the Park was assigned to the National Park Service, which established the core of the current arts program. In 2002, the National Park Service transferred management of the Park to Montgomery County, which in turn created the Glen Echo Park Partnership for Arts and Culture, a new nonprofit, to oversee the Park’s arts programs and historic facilities. From 2003 to 2010, extensive renovations of the Park's facilities took place under the direction of Montgomery County and the National Park Service with input from the Partnership and resident organizations. These renovations were funded with major federal, state, and county resources as well as private donations. Renovations included: the Spanish Ballroom, the Dentzel Carousel, the Puppet Co. Playhouse, the Arcade building, the Yellow Barn, Adventure Theatre, the Candy Corner, the Chautauqua Tower, the Ballroom Annex, and the Caretaker's Cottage. We hope to see you here soon!
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The Glen Echo Park Partnership for Arts and Culture, Inc. Each year, close to 400,000 people come to the Park to renew their creative spirit through arts classes, festivals, exhibitions, dances, children’s theater, music performances, nature programs, and more. Established by Montgomery County in 2002, the Partnership is a nonprofit organization charged with managing Glen Echo Park’s arts programs and facilities, including its historic buildings. The Partnership's mission is to present vibrant artistic, cultural, and educational offerings at the Park and to promote the Park as a unique destination for the region’s diverse population. In collaboration with Montgomery County and the National Park Service, the Partnership works with resident artists and organizations to develop distinctive arts programming; operates the historic Dentzel carousel and the Spanish Ballroom; presents an extensive social dance program; produces festivals and special events; conducts fundraising and marketing; and manages and maintains all facilities.
