Arts
Few cities of fewer than 30,000 people have the kind of arts community that makes Helena attractive to many of its residents. There are no squares unfilled in the quilt that is the arts in Helena. But, beyond performances and exhibitions, many of the arts organizations in the city also have education as part of their charters.
The centerpiece is the Myrna Loy Center for Performing and Visual Arts. Named for Montana’s First Lady of Film, who played, among other roles, Nora Charles in the Thin Man series of movies, the center is host to a variety of performances and exhibitions. These include drama, dance, films and music.
Less than 20 years old, the Holter Museum of Art has become one of the leading centers of contemporary arts in this part of the country. It has five exhibition galleries and attracts shows by international and national artists. It also fosters regional and local artists.
Unique to Helena is the Archie Bray Foundation for Ceramic Arts. The foundation exhibits ceramics and has an active instructional program.
The Grandstreet Theater is a venue for theater, with a strong schedule of musicals.
Helena also has a symphony orchestra, a chamber music singing group, dance company and ballet company.
And, the city is alive with live music. It is home to the Mount Helena Music Festival, held each July in Women’s Park in the downtown. Many of the bars and coffeeshops in town have live music as well.
Location: in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in the west central part of the state; about 175 miles south of Glacier National Park, and 185 north of Yellowstone National Park
Area: 14 square miles
Population: 25,780
Housing Units: 12,133
Average Annual Rainfall: 11.6” rainfall and 47.1” of snow
Average Annual Temperature: 44 degrees F