Warwick Center For The Arts

In 1974 The Warwick Museum was established as part of the American Bicentennial Celebration focused on historic exhibits. After strong public interest in art, the name was changed to the Warwick Art Museum and then, in 1997, to the Warwick Museum of Art.

The City of Warwick provided exhibit space at the Pontiac Mill complex, which was procured by then Mayor Gene McCaffrey. In 1977, upon the death of the last surviving member of the Kentish Guard, the Kentish Artillery Armory, a National Historic Landmark, was deeded to the city and then rented to WMOA where it has remained ever since. The local Boys’ Club moved out of the Armory, then the last member of the Kentish Artillery passed away, so the building was deeded to the City of Warwick. Museum board members and supporters were allowed to renovate the empty space, and WMOA officially moved to its new home in 1977.

In 2008 the main gallery was renovated with a generous grant from The Champlin Foundations. Additional support from The Champlin Foundations renovated the lower level hall, art classroom, bathroom, kitchen, and storage areas. In 2014, LED lighting was added to the main gallery, and a new HVAC system was installed thanks to another grant from The Champlin Foundations. Federal funds from a Community Development Block awarded by the City of Warwick will pay for a new wheelchair lift—so the historic building will again be accessible to all visitors! In 2016, in order to better correlate with the mission and vision, the name was changed to the Warwick Center for the Arts!