The Ames Center, formerly Burnsville Performing Arts Center, opened in January 2009. The center has two theaters, the 1,014 seat Masquerade Dance Theater and an intimate 150 seat Black Box Theater. The Lobby is two stories tall, all glass, with a sweeping view of Nicollet Commons Park, the Minnesota River Valley, and the Minneapolis Skyline.
In addition to the Theaters, the center has a 2,000-square-foot art gallery, meeting rooms and a large rehearsal room. There is additional space for banquets, special events and receptions.
Presentations at the Ames Center include cultural events, dramas, comedies, dance and musical acts from local arts organizations and national touring artists.