Maryland Milestones

Be sure to check out the map of the region, places to find out more, how to get here, our heritage routes, biking info, and events going on!

A major concentration of cultural landmarks in Prince George’s County is located within the Heritage Area. One of our major partners is the Gateway Community Development Corporation, a “catalyst for arts-driven economic revitalization of the U.S. Route 1 corridor and the surrounding communities in the Gateway Arts District. Gateway CDC works in the communities of Brentwood, North Brentwood, and Mount Rainier, and works in collaboration with several partners to ensure the success of the entire Gateway Arts District. The Gateway CDC envisions the Gateway Arts District as the heart of Prince George’s County’s arts beat. The Arts District is seeking to be lively, walkable, and bikeable, where people of all ages and backgrounds are shopping in local stores, eating at cafés and restaurants, and enjoying arts and entertainment venues. The Arts District strives to be recognized as the national model of a successful creative economy.” (Gateway CDC)  This arts district, which also includes Hyattsville and the Hyattsville CDC, is home to dozens of successful artists – from mosaics and sculpture, to glass and fiber, to theater and music.  The Washington Glass School is located in the arts district.

Montpelier Cultural Arts Center near Laurel is Prince George’s County’s premier multifaceted arts facility. Located on the grounds of Montpelier Mansion and also owned by M-NCPPC, the center houses three galleries, classrooms, workshops and studio space. Cultural events in both the visual and performing arts are offered regularly and include visual art exhibits, classical music competitions, masters’ workshops, and dance programs. The center is open seven days a week.

The Publick Playhouse in Cheverly is owned by M-NCPPC. It presents many professional programs with nationally known artists; however, its  main mission is to provide a fully equipped facility for use by local performing arts companies and offer affordable arts and dance presentations to residents of the area.

Greenbelt Festival

Fairs and Festivals are a major part of the culture of the region.  One of the largest hispanic festivals is located at Langley Park, while one of the oldest Labor Day parade and festivals is in Greenbelt.  All of the municipalities hold “community days” throughout the year and the holidays are particularly fun with over 100 different types of events throughout the region.  Check out the events listing for much more on these unique and special ways to celebrate every month in the region

.A major attraction for the area is Joe’s Movement Emporium in Mount Rainier. “Joe’s Movement Emporium is the community performing arts center of World Arts Focus, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that was launched in 1992. The mission is to promote participation and practice in dance, movement, and performing arts traditions from around the world while using the arts as a key tool to revitalize community. The organization decided to engage in a capital campaign to purchase a nearby warehouse facility and transform this structure into a 20,000 sq. ft. performance center with studios, administrative offices, and educational resources. In 2007, the New Joe’s Movement Emporium opened its doors; and in 2009, the Board of Directors and staff dedicated a new performance theatre as part of the center.” (World Arts Focus)

Many local theater groups are very active in the region.  Active Cultures Theater, based in Riverdale Park, is ”the vernacular theatre of Maryland” and “creates smart and juicy theatre for a diverse, multigenerational audience.” Laurel has two theaters – Laurel Mill Playhouse and the Venus Theater Play Shack.  ”Located in the middle of historic Laurel, the Laurel Mill Playhouse exists to bring live theatre to a vibrant and diverse community, foster a creative environment, and help local individuals nurture their talent. The Playhouse is the home of the Burtonsville Players, which has been providing community theatre to the quad-county area for more than 35 years.”  The Venus Theater “uses theatre as a the means to bring  humanities into Prince George’s County. It is our mission to set flight to the voices of women and children with theatre for a lifetime.  In doing this, we believe that audiences will leave Venus Theatre somehow transformed.  We want all people to have permission to express opposing views.  In theatre, tension creates dynamic work.  We want to share that feeling of tolerance, mutual respect, and create a friendly environment of expression where differing opinions and thoughts are viewed as opportunities to actively listen and respect our fellow humans.”