Dahl Arts Center — Attraction in Rapid City

A beautiful and well organized institution with exhibit spaces for art that celebrates South Dakota and beyond. The exhibits are well curated. My two recent visits saw exhibitions focused on South Dakota artists. This is such an important place, as it highlights and makes accessible the talent and creativity in the state. It is also a community space. In December 2018, I saw a well attended holiday concert around lunchtime. The event space seems suitable to any use.

The permanent exhibit of the Cyclorama mural documents US and regional histories. Completed in 1975, it is just as impactful today, and an incredible piece of history. Take some time to really look at each section for the depth that’s there.

There is also a children’s area with art themed activities. It gives parents the chance to give your child a way to see the adult exhibit and then go to their own space if and when needed.

The gift shop has many unique pieces by local artists. The handmade soaps by Black Crow Soaps never disappoint. There are also artist created greeting cards and photos of South Dakota landscapes and objects.

All around a...

I have visited the Dahl numerous times over the past several months. The exhibits and events taking place at the Center are always interesting and educational, however there are some issues with other areas of the Dahl operations that unfortunately make for lower than a stellar rating. For example, the Dahl has a gift shop showcasing work of local artists, but the gift shop is rarely staffed and almost never promoted. That results in rather poor public interest in this space and what it has to offer. In addition, the management staff in charge of this space is frequently changing, which exacerbates already poor performance of the gift shop. Last but not least, Dahl is located a bit off the beaten path frequented by visitors to our city, and that, coupled with poor efforts at promoting the Dahl in tour guide brochures, results in low numbers of seasonal visitors. This space could be a hub of artistic activity in town if only it was promoted and...

The Dahl Arts Center was the perfect location for the Great American Book Festival and related events. The building is perfectly suited for an arts/culture related event and fits our theme to a "T". The facility is well maintained and the layout offers a variety of configurations for multiple uses including private meeting spaces. But above and beyond all that, the staff is nothing short of amazing! Having hosted literary events around the country for over a decade I can say that the Dahl Arts Center has, by far, the most delightful people who always go above and beyond. And they do so with a smile and a kind word. We are so very grateful to the Dahl for all that they do. We've hosted our events with them two years in a row now and can't imaging a place more suited for our Writers' Conference and related events. Also a special shout-out to event coordinator, Caitlin, who is the glue that helps hold everything together. She's...