Arts and culture in
Martinsburg, WV
Theaters, galleries and local artists
Experience live theater, local art galleries, and Appalachian craftsmanship in West Virginia's Eastern Panhandle cultural scene, just one hour from Washington DC.
Berkeley County's vibrant arts scene blends Appalachian heritage with contemporary creativity. From a historic 1913 theater to cutting-edge galleries, our community celebrates both traditional crafts and modern artistic expression.
Discover local artists, attend live performances, and explore the cultural heart of West Virginia's Eastern Panhandle.
Live theatre and performance in Berkeley County
The Apollo Civic Theatre, historic performances since 1913
Designed by renowned architect Chappie Kent (who also created Washington DC's Knickerbocker Theater), the Apollo has entertained audiences for over a century. This intimate venue brings professional-quality productions to an authentic historic setting.
What to expect:
Six main stage productions annually featuring drama, comedy, and musicals
Community events including concerts and special performances
Historic atmosphere with original 1913 architectural details
Intimate seating ensuring every seat offers a great view
Local and regional talent showcasing Appalachian artistic heritage
Location: Downtown Martinsburg
Season: Year-round programming
Tickets: Available online and at the box office. Call (304) 263-6766 for more information
Pro tip: Arrive early to admire the historic lobby and architecture
Wonderment Puppet Theater
One of only 40 full-time puppet theaters in the United States, and the only one in West Virginia! This family-friendly venue creates original productions that delight children and adults alike, preserving the traditional art of puppetry while creating new stories.
Perfect for: Families with children, cultural enthusiasts, unique date experiences
Shows: Multiple productions throughout the year
Age range: Designed for ages 3-99
Visit the Wonderment Puppet Theater website for more information or call (304) 260-9382.
Visual arts and galleries
Berkeley Art Works
Berkeley Art Works, a project of the Berkeley Arts Council, is the realization of the long-held dream of the local arts community: to have a community-based arts facility that supports local and regional artists, brings quality arts experiences for the members of the public, and provides a wide range of arts learning experiences for residents, artists and artisans. Holding many exhibits and classes throughout the year, as well as the Holiday Sale, Berkeley Art Works is a chance to see a wide variety of local talent.
Queen Street Gallery
Queen Street Gallery combines an eclectic mix of art, antiques, and custom framing services in one unique downtown location. This gallery and antique shop specializes in original rare and vintage posters spanning art, movie, travel, and music themes, alongside antique prints and maps.
What you'll find:
Original rare and vintage posters - Art, movie, travel, and music themes
Antique prints and maps - Historical pieces from various eras
Paintings - Curated selection of artistic works
African artifacts - Unique cultural pieces
Antiques from many different eras - Diverse historical items
Custom picture framing services - Professional framing for your acquisitions
Perfect for: Collectors seeking one-of-a-kind pieces, interior decorators looking for focal points, vintage poster enthusiasts, and anyone needing professional custom framing services.
Specialty: The gallery's eclectic mix ensures visitors can find unique pieces to either create a striking focal point or complement existing décor, with items spanning multiple historical periods and cultural origins.
Downtown Martinsburg Murals
While exploring the Martinsburg art scene, be sure to check out the numerous murals, both large and small, that add an extra touch of beauty to the amazing architecture our town is renowned for.
Tony M. Music & Arts Foundation
A Berkeley County-based organization focused on arts education and community cultural experiences. The foundation creates accessible arts opportunities for students, families, and residents throughout the Martinsburg area and broader West Virginia region.
Local cultural programming:
Summer entertainment series - Two-month family programming at Martinsburg's town square, created through local partnerships
Monthly library events - Regular family-friendly cultural activities at the public library
Educational arts initiatives - School-based creative programs covering various artistic disciplines and life skills
Youth athletics program - Cross-country running for elementary students at multiple Berkeley County schools
Community role: The foundation works to develop, support, and strengthen arts opportunities in Berkeley County through affordable programming designed to benefit students and engage the broader community in cultural activities.
Learn more at the Tony M. Music & Arts Foundation website
Arts and Culture FAQs
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Martinsburg features the historic Apollo Civic Theatre (1913), Wonderment Puppet Theater (West Virginia's only full-time puppet theater), Berkeley Art Works community gallery, Queen Street Gallery, and a downtown mural trail showcasing local artists.
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Visit Berkeley Art Works for rotating local exhibitions, Queen Street Gallery for local art and antiques, and take the free downtown mural walking tour. Many shops also feature work by regional artists.
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Built in 1913 and designed by the same architect as Washington DC's Knickerbocker Theater, the Apollo is a historic cultural landmark offering intimate live performances in an authentic period setting.