Boise, ID may not be the first city that comes to mind when thinking about arts and culture, but it’s a hidden gem brimming with creativity. From the renowned Boise Art Museum to the ever-evolving murals of Freak Alley Gallery, the city offers a diverse array of visual arts. Music lovers can immerse themselves in the energy of Treefort Music Fest, while theater enthusiasts can enjoy world-class performances at the Idaho Shakespeare Festival. Public art installations, artist collectives, and cultural institutions like the Basque Block further enrich Boise’s dynamic arts scene. Whether you're drawn to fine art, live performances, or grassroots creativity, Boise’s thriving artistic community proves it’s one of the Northwest’s best-kept secrets. In this blog, we’ll explore everything that makes Boise’s arts scene vibrant and diverse.

Freak Alley Gallery

Freak Alley Gallery is a vibrant outdoor gallery located in the heart of downtown Boise, Idaho, between 8th and 9th Streets and Bannock and Idaho Streets. Established in 2002 by artist Colby Akers, it began with a single mural painted on the back alley doorway of Moon's Cafe. Since then, it has expanded significantly and is now the largest outdoor mural gallery in the Northwest, featuring a diverse collection of murals and graffiti art. Over the years, the gallery has grown to encompass a gravel parking lot and surrounding alleyways, with new murals being added and updated every two years by various local and visiting artists. The gallery hosts an annual painting event during the summer, allowing artists and community members to contribute their work to the ever-changing canvas. In addition to the outdoor murals, there is an indoor gallery that showcases art in motion, featuring works from various artists, along with official merchandise for sale. The gallery is a must-see destination for art enthusiasts, locals, and visitors alike, and it has become an integral part of Boise's vibrant art scene.

Location: 210 N 9th St, Boise, ID 83702
Hours: Open to Public Viewing 24/7 and Free to Visit
Social: Freak Alley Gallery Instagram

Art Source Gallery

Art Source Gallery is a renowned artist-owned cooperative in Boise, Idaho, dedicated to showcasing the talents of over 40 local artists. Originally established in 1993, the gallery recently relocated to. Offering a vibrant and welcoming space for art lovers. Visitors can explore a diverse collection of fine art, including paintings, ceramics, sculpture, photography, jewelry, pottery, and glass art. The gallery is open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, providing a platform for emerging and established artists to display their work. Beyond exhibitions, Art Source Gallery hosts art classes, special events, and community engagements, such as the annual Holiday Market and the Duets Exhibition, featuring live music and refreshments.

Location: 1516 W Grove Street, Boise, ID 83702
Hours: Monday - Saturday from 10AM to 6PM
Website/Social: Art Source Gallery Instagram

Boise Art Museum

The Boise Art Museum is a renowned cultural institution established in 1937, it holds the distinction of being the only American Alliance of Museums (AAM) accredited fine art museum in the state. BAM’s permanent collection features approximately 3,500 works of art, with a strong emphasis on contemporary realism, modern and contemporary ceramics, and the largest public collection of works by the iconic Idaho artist James Castle. The museum also hosts a wide range of major traveling exhibitions and installations throughout the year, ensuring a dynamic and ever-changing experience for visitors. BAM’s building has evolved over the years, starting with its original design by Tourtellotte & Hummel in the Art Deco and Egyptian Revival styles. Significant expansions took place in 1972, 1988, and 1997, with the most recent renovation adding a sculpture court and garden, bringing the museum’s total space to 34,800 square feet. In addition to its impressive collections and exhibitions, BAM offers educational programs, including art workshops, lectures, and events tailored to diverse audiences. Every First Thursday of the month, the museum offers extended hours from 10 AM to 7 PM with pay-what-you-can admission and special programs, such as Studio Art Exploration.

Location: 670 Julia Davis Dr, Boise, ID 83702
Hours: Tuesday - Sunday from 10AM-5PM and Sunday from 12PM-5PM
Social: Boise Art Museum Instagram

Visual Arts Collective

Visual Arts Collective is a vibrant contemporary fine art gallery, performance venue, and cultural center dedicated to promoting a wide range of artistic expressions. Established with the mission of showcasing both visual and performing arts, VAC presents exhibitions and events in various forms, including visual art, film, music, dance, and theater. As a dynamic space, VAC hosts local and regional artists, providing a platform for innovative art projects, interactive performances, and immersive installations. The gallery regularly features group and solo shows from contemporary artists, contributing to the diverse cultural landscape of the area. In addition to visual art exhibitions, VAC transforms into a hub for live performances, offering a space for experimental theater, film screenings, and musical performances that span genres and styles. Since VAC is a 21+ venue, visitors must present a valid ID to gain entry. This unique aspect adds a layer of exclusivity and creates an adult-oriented space for more mature artistic experiences.

Location: 3638 Osage St, Garden City, Idaho 83714
Hours: Every Saturday from Noon-6PM
Social: Visual Arts Collective Instagram

Surel’s Place

Surel's Place is a prominent artist-in-residence program that plays a crucial role in the local art community. Founded with the goal of fostering creativity and artistic exchange, Surel's Place offers a space for emerging and established artists to live and work, allowing them to explore new ideas and create original works. In addition to its residency program, Surel's Place is deeply committed to engaging with the community by offering a variety of free or low-cost events. These include workshops, readings, exhibitions, and other cultural gatherings that promote interaction between artists and the public. The events at Surel's Place allow local residents and visitors to engage with art in a direct and meaningful way, whether by attending a creative workshop, enjoying a public exhibition, or participating in literary readings. Visit Surel’s Place Website for Upcoming Events!

Location: 212 E 33rd St, Garden City, ID 83714
Hours: Visit Website for Upcoming Events
Social: Surel’s Place Instagram

Blue Galleries at Boise State University

The Blue Galleries at Boise State University is located within the Center for the Visual Arts. These galleries serve as a dynamic space for the presentation of rotating exhibitions, showcasing a diverse range of work from students, faculty, and visiting artists. The exhibitions feature a variety of mediums and styles, providing an opportunity for both emerging and established artists to display their work in a professional setting. The Blue Galleries also offer an essential platform for Boise State University’s art community, allowing students to gain exposure and experience in a gallery environment. These exhibitions often cover a wide spectrum of artistic disciplines, including painting, sculpture, photography, new media, and installation art. Admission to the Blue Galleries is free, and the public is invited to visit during exhibition hours, making it an accessible resource for anyone interested in the visual arts. The rotating nature of the exhibitions ensures that there is always something new to experience, and visitors are encouraged to check for updates on upcoming shows.

Location: 1110 S Capitol Blvd. Boise, Idaho
Hours: Tuesday-Friday from 10AM-5PM, Admission is Free and Open to the Public
Social: Blue Galleries Instagram

Performing Arts

Boise Contemporary Theater

Boise Contemporary Theater, founded in 1997, is a professional theater company in Boise, ID, dedicated to producing contemporary, innovative plays that reflect modern life and provoke thoughtful discussions. Known for staging cutting-edge productions, BCT focuses on new works, bold adaptations, and experimental theater that tackle social, cultural, and political themes. The theater serves as a platform for both local talent and national/international artists, offering a wide range of performances from intimate dramas to larger productions. In addition to its mainstage performances, BCT provides educational programs like workshops, classes, and community outreach to make theater accessible and inclusive. The theater is an integral part of Boise's cultural landscape, offering a space for engaging conversation through art. For Upcoming Shows and Tickets visit Boise Contemporary Theater Website.

Location: 854 W Fulton St, Boise, ID 83702
Social: Boise Contemporary Theater Instagram

The Morrison Center for the Performing Arts

The Morrison Center for the Performing Arts is a premier venue known for hosting large-scale performances including Broadway shows, symphonies, ballet, opera, and concerts. Serving as a cultural hub for the city, it is home to the Boise Philharmonic and features major touring productions from around the world. The venue’s main performance space, the Velma V. Morrison Center, has a seating capacity of up to 2,000, providing an intimate yet grand experience for audiences. The center also plays a vital role in community engagement through educational performances, lectures, and outreach initiatives. With ample parking and full accessibility for people with disabilities, the Morrison Center is a key part of Boise’s arts scene. For more information on events and ticket sales, visit the Morrison Center’s Website.

Location: 2201 W Cesar Chavez Ln, Boise, ID 83725
Social: Morrison Center Instagram

The Egyptian Theater

The Egyptian Theatre is a historic and iconic venue known for its Egyptian Revival architectural style and rich history since its opening in 1927. The theater hosts a wide variety of performances, including concerts, comedy shows, live theater, and film screenings, offering a unique and versatile space for both live events and cinematic experiences. In addition to performances, it regularly screens classic films and holds film festivals, making it a popular destination for movie enthusiasts. The venue is also home to community events, such as charity galas, lectures, and other public celebrations. With a seating capacity of approximately 650 and excellent acoustics, the Egyptian Theatre offers an intimate yet grand setting for any event. The theater is fully accessible to people with disabilities, and tickets can be purchased through the box office or online. For more information, visit the Egyptian Theatre’s Website.

Location: 700 W Main St, Boise, Idaho 83702
Social: Egyptian Theater Instagram

The Basque Center

The Basque Center is a cultural venue that celebrates and preserves Basque heritage through a variety of performances and events, including Basque folk music and dance. It serves as a vibrant hub for the Basque community in Boise, hosting cultural performances, festivals, and social gatherings where attendees can immerse themselves in traditional music, dance, and festivities. The center plays a key role in fostering cultural preservation and connection by providing a space for locals and visitors to experience Basque culture. It is especially known for its annual Basque Festival, which showcases Basque traditions through performances, food, and other cultural activities. The Basque Center is an integral part of Boise's diverse cultural landscape, offering a unique opportunity to engage with Basque customs and heritage. For more details on upcoming events and tickets, visit the Basque Center’s Website.

Location: 601 W Grove St, Boise, ID 83702
Social: Basque Center Instagram