A Cultural Capital
Big Arts Opportunities from a Mid-Sized Town
In Midland, we're proud of the artistic and cultural opportunities we've created - opportunities that rival those found in substantially larger cities. Although the sciences and the arts seem very different on the surface, they share a common passion for the process of discovery - which explains why the arts have flourished alongside the sciences in this chemical town.
In Midland, outstanding cultural opportunities range from music and theater to science and the arts. The
Midland Center for the Arts provides state-of-the-art stages for audiences of 400 to 1500 and has featured everything from local performances to world-class orchestras and dance companies.
The home of well-known mid-20th century architect Alden B. Dow makes for an interesting tour. A disciple of Frank Lloyd Wright, Alden Dow drew inspiration from
his teacher's architectural style while exploring his own unique
direction. He sought to design buildings as an integral part of the
landscape surrounding them, rooted in his philosophy that "gardens
never end and buildings never begin." Midland features many examples of
Alden Dow-designed buildings, the most famous of which is the
Alden B. Dow Home and Studio - Mr. Dow's own home and office. At the
Herbert D. Doan Midland County History Center, you can learn the history of Midland County, Fortune 500 company The Dow Chemical Company, and the Bradley House, one of Midland's first homes dating back to the 1800s.
Midland home and business owners take great pride in their natural surroundings, enhancing their landscapes with bright and colorful plantings, many of which are native to Michigan. Midland Blooms, held on a Saturday morning each spring, brings volunteers out in full force to plant flowers and foliage along some of Midland's busiest thoroughfares. Property owners make the most of their outdoor surroundings, and many Midlanders are rewarded through an annual
Appreciation of Beautification awards competition, which encourages maintaining lovely exteriors to enhance our already beautiful community.
Midland is also known as the "County of Beautiful Churches." Over 100 places of worship throughout the county represent most denominations and faiths.