KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Make the most of your visit to the Clay Center.
The Clay Center for the Arts & Sciences of West Virginia is a 240,000-square-foot structure that houses performing arts, visual arts, and sciences all under one roof—one of the few of its kind in the country.
Below is key information that can help you plan your visit. We look forward to welcoming you!
Directions
1 Clay Square
Charleston, WV 25301
Coming from the north on I-77 or I-79 (Parkersburg or Morgantown):
Connect to Interstate 64 East to Exit 100 Leon Sullivan Way
Coming from the west (Huntington area):
Take Interstate 64 East to Exit 100 Leon Sullivan Way
Coming from the south (Beckley or Princeton areas):
Take Interstate 64 West to Exit 100 Leon Sullivan Way
After taking Exit 100, quickly change into the left lane (Leon Sullivan Way).
Take the first left onto Washington Street.
Parking
The Clay Center offers the convenience of a parking lot on Washington Street, immediately across from the building, for $3. Payment can be made at the kiosk.
Parking for individuals with disabilities is available in the Clay Center parking lot and on Washington Street, next to the Clay Center. Washington Street handicap spots are metered by the City of Charleston. Download the ParkMobile app to pay on your smartphone.
Special event parking is $5, cash only. A parking attendant will collect payment as you enter the parking lot.
Museum & Café Hours
MONDAY
CLOSED
TUESDAY – SATURDAY
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
SUNDAY
12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
The Avampato Discovery Museum, Juliet Art Museum, and Curiosity Café are closed on major holidays. Please check this website for closures, or call 304-561-3570.
For Caperton Planetarium & Theater showtimes, click here.
The Curiosity Café is now open!
Convenience meets flavor.
Swing by our café for quick snacks, salads, sandwiches, and drinks.
Serving
Sandwiches
Salads
Chips
Cold Drinks
Hot Drinks
Box Office Hours
MONDAY – SATURDAY
9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
SUNDAY
11:30 AM – 5:00 PM
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Museum admission gives you access to the Avampato Discovery Museum and the Juliet Art Museum and can be purchased at the Clay Center Box Office. You do not need to purchase museum tickets prior to your visit.
Adult | $12.00
Child | $8.00
Senior/Student/Teacher | $8.00
Military | $8.00
Age 2 and Under | FREE
Prescheduled groups of 10 or more receive a discount. Non-profit group rates (including school trips) are available. Call 304-561-3562 to book your tour or for more information.
Visitors with Partner Museum Memberships
The Clay Center is a proud participant of the ASTC Passport Program. The Travel Passport Program entitles visiting members of participating museums to free general museum admission. It does not include free admission to special exhibits, planetarium and large-screen theater presentations, or other benefits associated with museum membership unless stated otherwise.
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Caperton Planetarium & Theater show tickets may be purchased as an add-on to museum admission, or as “show only” tickets that do not allow access to the museums. Click here for showtimes.
Admission Add-on (Non-members) | $4
Admission Add-on (Members) | $3
Show Only (Non-members) | $7
Show Only (Members) | $6
Planetarium tickets may be purchased at the Clay Center Box Office.
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Ticket Information
Please present your digital or printed ticket at the lobby doors. You may pick up printed tickets at the box office prior to the show.
If you have any questions regarding your tickets, please contact the box office by calling 304-561-3570 or emailing boxoffice@theclaycenter.org. All sales are final.
Doors and Show
Doors usually open 30 minutes to an hour before showtime. Beverages are typically available for purchase in the lobby.
Special Assistance
Wheelchairs
The Clay Center offers wheelchairs for any patrons who have mobility impairments. All of the public galleries and the Maier Foundation Performance Hall are accessible to wheelchair users and other visitors who need to avoid stairs. Elevators are located throughout the building. Requests for wheelchairs can be made at the box office when entering the building.
Deaf/Hard of Hearing
The Clay Center offers headsets for patrons with hearing impairments attending performances. Listening devices are available by request at the Clay Center Box Office when entering the building. Interpreters are available upon request. To make arrangements, please call 304-561-3570 at least one week prior to your visit.
Groups of Visitors with Disabilities
The Clay Center welcomes groups of all abilities. Scheduled visits are requested. To make arrangements, please call 304-561-3562.
Inclement Weather Policy
Performances
The Clay Center is committed to serving its customers and having all performances proceed as scheduled unless a performer tells us they are unable to perform. Typically, decisions are not made based on the forecast of inclement weather.
Please contact the Clay Center Box Office at 304-561-3570 if you have any questions. Due to high call volume, it may not be possible to reach us immediately. Please note that all ticket sales are final and refunds will not be given unless a show is postponed or cancelled.
Museums
The Clay Center’s museums generally do not close due to weather conditions. Any changes will be recorded on the box office phone line at 304-561-3570.