West Newton's home for arts and culture.
35 Webster Street, Newton, MA 02465
Originally the home of 19th-century abolitionist and educator Nathaniel T. Allen, the Newton Cultural Alliance opened The Allen Center in 2021 and hosts a variety of artistic and cultural events throughout the year.
Upcoming Events
Lydian String Quartet: An Open Rehearsal
The Naumburg Award-winning Lydian String Quartet, Ensemble in Residence at The Allen Center, will deliver their last open rehearsal of the season. Currently rehearsing music from Beethoven String Quartet No. 2 in G major, Beethoven String Quartet No. 15 in A minor, and Reena Esmail’s Zeher, expect the musicians to start and stop, discuss phrase shaping and dynamics, and talk between each other. Enjoy the freedom to move around and get up close to the players for this "behind the scenes" look into their rehearsal process.
Wednesday, May 27, 7:30 pm
The Strawberry Festival
This year's 12th annual Strawberry Festival reveals the hidden gems of our community—bringing together the people, flavors, stories, and sounds that make our city so special. We'll have food, drinks, music, chocolate and wine tasting, a silent auction, and raise the paddle. Individual tickets and sponsorships are available. Register now and be part of this unforgettable evening in the heart of West Newton!
Thursday, May 28, 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm
The Black Feathers
Back by popular demand, Welsh folk duo The Black Feathers return to The Allen Center for an evening of original songs and rich, soaring harmonies. This Linda Plaut Festival of the Arts program is generously supported by Spark Newton in partnership with The City of Newton.
Saturday, June 6, 7:30 pm
In The Galleries
On View May & June 2026
Like Seeing Through Trees: Artwork by Nina Bellucci
The main floor exhibit showcases the vibrant work of local mixed-media artist, Nina Bellucci, whose stretched canvases & banner paintings recall time spent in nature, incorporating the use of multiple media & techniques.
Bullough's Pond & Beyond: Paintings by Charlotte Lockwood
The exhibit on display in the ground floor gallery highlights the vast career of New England native, Charlotte Lockwood, whose work was widely exhibited across Massachusetts and taught art in Newton for many years.