The Elks Arts Center

The Elks Arts Center is home to the Abilene Preservation League offices. It has a beautiful second-floor ballroom and two smaller rooms available for rent.

In addition to rentals for occasions, the Elks Arts Center's mission is to provide a home base for arts and non-profit groups in the area. If you would like more information about leasing space in the Elks building, please email us.

The Elks Arts Center
1174 North First Street at Cedar
Downtown Abilene between the Grace Museum and the National Center for Childrens Illustrated Literature, in the T&P Historic District.

The Elks Arts Center was built in 1913 as the Lodge for the Benevolent Protective Order of the Elks. It was restored in 2000-2001 by the Abilene Preservation League and its supporters.

Historic Elks Ballroom

The ballroom is approximately 65 feet by 60 feet and has six arched windows.

During World War II the Elks building served as the USO headquarters to serve the thousands of troops stationed at Camp Barkeley, southwest of Abilene.

Here's an example of a wedding using floral arrangements well to create a focal point at the front of the ballroom against one of the six windows.

Another shot of the floral. Columns were supplied by the florist.

The ballroom capacity is 175.
Up to 20 60-inch round tables are available.

The room can be configured to accommodate any size dance area on its original solid maple floor. A sectional stage is available.

Shown set up for a combination theatre style and tables.

Caterers have access to a prep kitchen on the lower level. Guests may use the stairs from the first floor, or the elevator. Free parking is available on all four sides of the building.

The ballroom is fully accessible for limited mobility access, with a sidewalk-level entrance leading directly to the elevator.

An example of professional lighting and sound setup for a vocal act.

The walls lend themselves to dramatic lighting effects to create any kind of atmosphere.

An example of a decorated table at the APL's annual "Dinner at a Good Friend's Table" dinner.

Table decorations from the Annual Meeting of APL.

The ballroom is available for wedding receptions, rehearsals, auditions, performances, parties, receptions, weddings, meetings, workshops and conferences. All rentals include tables and chairs, set-up and takedown. Rentals are available seven days a week, 8 a.m. - 12 midnight. Weekend rentals are only for eight or twelve hour periods. On other days there is a three-hour minimum on hourly rentals.

The ballroom has a baby grand piano and a sound system, both included with the rental fee (a tuning fee is required for the piano). There is an additional fee for set-up of the stage platforms.

For pricing, call us and tell us about the particular event you have in mind, 325-676-3775, extension 1. We'll recommend a package for you. Our e-mail address for questions is info@abilenepreservation.org.

You may now check the availability of the Elks Ballroom online by clicking "Check Availability of Dates" at the top and bottom of this page.

The Elks Arts Center 1174 North First Street at Cedar Downtown Abilene between the Grace Museum and the National Center for Childrens Illustrated Literature, in the T&P Historic District. The Elks Arts Center was built in 1913 as the Lodge for the Benevolent Protective Order of the Elks. It was restored in 2000-2001 by the Abilene Preservation League and its supporters.	Historic Elks Ballroom The ballroom is approximately 65 feet by 60 feet and has six arched windows. During World War II the Elks building served as the USO headquarters to serve the thousands of troops stationed at Camp Barkeley, southwest of Abilene.
Here's an example of a wedding using floral arrangements well to create a focal point at the front of the ballroom against one of the six windows.	Another shot of the floral. Columns were supplied by the florist.
The ballroom capacity is 175. Up to 20 60-inch round tables are available.	The room can be configured to accommodate any size dance area on its original solid maple floor. A sectional stage is available.
Shown set up for a combination theatre style and tables. Caterers have access to a prep kitchen on the lower level. Guests may use the stairs from the first floor, or the elevator. Free parking is available on all four sides of the building.	The ballroom is fully accessible for limited mobility access, with a sidewalk-level entrance leading directly to the elevator.
An example of professional lighting and sound setup for a vocal act.	The walls lend themselves to dramatic lighting effects to create any kind of atmosphere.
An example of a decorated table at the APL's annual "Dinner at a Good Friend's Table" dinner.	Table decorations from the Annual Meeting of APL.