The Rialto Center for the Arts will celebrate its 30th season with Georgia State University and 110 years in Downtown Atlanta in 2026. To mark the occasion, the Rialto plans to upgrade the lobby and expand its arts programming.
“I’m excited to see the refreshed space, to be able to come in and feel like we’re at home and we’re in a fresh and modern look, but keeping the classic structure that we have,” Executive Director Amy Reid said.
The venue renovations, which will include upgrades to the lobby plus various stage, sound, and facility equipment, will total around $290,000. The former movie theatre has been a mainstay on Forsyth Street since 1916, with the current building constructed in 1962 when the cinema expanded.
Additionally, on May 18, the organization announced a switch from a subscription model to a membership model, saving devoted patrons money and providing better flexibility.
“A subscriber model locks you into shows, maybe a year in advance. You have to go ahead and purchase those tickets, but once you’re a member, you can purchase your ticket at any point and receive the same discounts,” Reid said.
Beginning in September, the 2026-2027 season will celebrate the venue’s past and its future: seasoned Rialto musician Béla Fleck will return for his sixth performance, and new favorite Arturo Sandoval will return for his second performance.
“I like that balance of having long-standing history and a new history within that 30th season,” Reid said.
Altogether, the lineup for the 2026-2027 season holds a collective 34 Grammy awards and 103 nominations.
Though the lobby renovations will not begin until July, visitors can still explore something new at the Rialto. Due to a recent partnership with VINSON Art and The Sun ATL Gallery, there will be quarterly art installations on display in the lobby.
Currently on view are selections of art created by Raphael Bahindwa, an artist born and raised in the Democratic Republic of Congo, who is now in metro Atlanta. Some of the pieces, namely the FIFA-inspired works in the far right corner of the lobby, were created especially for the exhibition at the Rialto.
With the return of the Rialto Film Series, the continuation of the free lunchtime performances “Feed Your Senses,” and expanded music education and outreach for youth, the Rialto is in for a busy, rewarding year.
“We’re looking both towards honoring the past 30 years and the next 30 years as we plan next season,” Reid said.
Memberships for the season are available now, and most shows will go on sale July 14.
