- Tuesday and Wednesday, 12:00-6:00pm
- Thursday and Friday, 12:00-7:00pm
- Saturday, 12:00-6:00pm
- Closed Sunday and Monday
- Offers a diverse program of performing arts events each season, including concerts, stand-up comedy, dance performances, plays, musicals, films, and family-friendly children’s shows on the Main Stage
- Hosts smaller and more intimate events at the newly renovated Hamilton Stage for the Performing Arts
- ADA accessible
- Parking
- Varies based on the event or performance
Union County Performing Arts Center
1601 Irving Street, Rahway, NJ 07065
732-499-8226
The Union County Performing Arts Center opened in 1928 as The Rahway Theatre, built for vaudeville performances and movie screenings. The theatre featured a tiered chandelier, orchestra pit, the grand Wurlitzer organ, dressing rooms, an elegant lobby, a sitting room, and a nursery for children of theatre patrons. Designed by noted architect David M. Oltarsch and built by Rahway merchant Barney Engelman, the theatre was a classic example of a picture palace, representing a unique and short lived social and architectural phenomenon of the early 20th century. Its location on the Pennsylvania Railroad corridor between New York City and Philadelphia made it a hub for silent movies and vaudeville house shows that traveled between the two major cities.
In 1980, the nonprofit Rahway Landmarks was formed to purchase the theatre and preserve it as a performing arts center. In 1985, the Rahway Theatre was officially renamed The Union County Arts Center (UCPAC), and then the Union County Performing Arts Center in 2008. It is listed on both the State and National Registers of Historic Places. UCPAC hosts performances year-round, including a classic film series, Sensory Friendly Theater, opera, dance, theater, family events, concerts of all genres, and more.
WHAT TO SEE AND DO
- Experience the classic architecture and grandeur of the 20th century
- Attend a performance year-round
- Learn more about the Rahway Arts District and efforts to revitalize the city’s cultural landmarks
Journey through Jersey strives to have the most up-to-date information, but always check with the site itself before planning a visit.
