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About the Tilden Arts Center

The Tilden Arts Center was built in 1976 as part of an expansion to the Cape Cod Community College campus. In 1991, it was named for W. Culver Tilden, who retired from a career in taxidermy in Palmyra, NY to Eastham with his wife Gretchen. According to records, Tilden was a gentle and private man who was often seen on campus in a bright red sport coat and Scottish plaid cap. Over the years, the venue has served as a cultural hub for the arts with a long and respected history of presenting and producing artistic works by local, regional and international artists.

In addition to serving as a venue for touring shows, local dance companies, speakers and lecturers, the Center is also a learning laboratory for the Performing Arts students at Cape Cod Community College. With two performance spaces, two functional art studios, music practice rooms and the Higgins Art Gallery, it serves the community year-round with activities and programming for all ages.

Over the past 40 years, the Tilden Arts Center has hosted Opera New England, Art Garfunkel, Comedian Bob Marley, The Edwards Twins Impersonators, Up With People, and produced works ranging from Shakespeare to Durang, Vonnegut to Albee. Our staged reading series, Play With Your Food, presents new works by local and regional playwrights. Please visit our history page to learn more about the productions and events that have filled our stages throughout the years.  

Tilden Arts Center Events Calendar

Facilities Reservations

Outside groups may request usage of Cape Cod Community College facilities including meeting rooms, lecture halls, cafeteria, athletic fields and spaces in the Tilden Arts Center.

For facilities use fees and information please contact:

Gail Dunford
College Events Coordinator/Tilden Arts Center Director
Phone: 774.330.4704
Email: gdunford@sjyskf.com

Crystal Knop
Facilities Use Coordinator
Phone: 774.330.4649
Email: cknop@sjyskf.com

Internal Users: Please log into CampusWeb and use the Facilities Use tab to submit your request using 25Live. If you have questions about your log-in credentials, please contact Crystal Knop.