Frequently Asked Questions

Browse our FAQ page to find answers to questions about the general facility, summer camp and event rentals.

General Questions

  • Q: Why is it called the “Goggleworks?”
  • A: The community arts center is housed in a former factory building, Willson Safety Products, where safety goggles were created and manufactured.
  • Q: Is it safe to come here at night?
  • A: With our parking lot emanating bright lighting, our onsite security during the nighttime hours, and the presence and availability of the Downtown Improvement District (D.I.D.), we hope that visitors will always feel safe here.
  • Q: Where do I park?
  • A: We have a FREE, large parking lot with 190 spaces, located at 2nd and Walnut Streets. It is accessible from 3rd Street, 2nd Street and Walnut Street. If the lot is full, there are two parking garages nearby.
  • Q: Can I get an advanced schedule of movies playing in the theatre?
  • A: We post the movie schedule as soon as we know what films will show and number of weeks. Check our Film Theatre page for details.
  • Q: Can I have a party at the Goggleworks? Can my organization hold meetings there?
  • A: We welcome the community to gather at the GoggleWorks for parties, meetings, or other events, and we have several spaces available for rent.
  • Q: Can my band play at the GoggleWorks?
  • A: There are opportunities to showcase local musical talent, contact our Facilities Coordinator for information.
  • Q: When are the artists in their studios?
  • A: The artists lease their studio space from the GoggleWorks as a working space where they can come to create their art. Some are full-time artists who can be found here regularly, while others will schedule their time in their studios or come to work in their studios as time permits. All artists are happy to meet with visitors by appointment, and many of the artists have regular hours listed at their studios. Our Sunday Open Houses are the best time to find almost all of the GoggleWorks artists in their studios.
  • Q: Is the GoggleWorks handicap accessible?
  • A: Yes, the GoggleWorks is fully accessible. Wheelchairs are available at the GoggleWorks information desk as well.
  • Q: Is anything for sale here?
  • A: Yes. Many of the artworks in the galleries and on the walls in the hallways are for sale. Purchase artwork directly from the artist or through the store. See store staff for details.
  • Q: How do I have an exhibit at the GoggleWorks?
  • A: Contact Lauralynn White, Gallery Coordinator at lwhite@goggleworks.org or call 610.374.4600 x.141

Event Rental FAQ

  • Q: Do I have to use a caterer from your preferred vendor list?
  • A: No. We provide you with the preferred vendor list so that you are aware of the caterers we have worked with and that have been successful. If you choose to use a caterer not on our preferred vendor list, we ask that we have a chance to meet with them before hand so that they understand how to use our building to the best of their abilities.
  • Q: May we serve alcohol at our event?
  • A: Yes, if you provide the GoggleWorks with a certificate of insurance covering the GW for up to one million dollars. You can acquire this under your homer owner’s insurance as a rider policy. Please contact your insurance agency for pricing. If you use a caterer that provides bartending service, they will have that certificate of insurance and the GW will need a copy. Please also read our alcohol policy for complete details. Please note that alcohol service must end one hour prior to the end time of your event.
  • Q: What are the rules for decorating?
  • A: Whether you do it yourself or hire a professional, there are important things to remember when decorating in our historical building. Please do not hang anything from the electrical conduits from the ceiling or our lights. The only suitable hanging area is from the I-beams on the ceiling. You are welcome to decorate the beams that are placed throughout the room, but please make sure any fabric used is flame retardant. The GW will need a certificate showing this. No open flames are permitted during your event. If you are having a wedding ceremony that involves a unity candle ceremony, special arrangements can be made with the Facilities Rental Coordinator. Please schedule an appointment with the FRC to see the site and to further understand the rules and regulations.
  • Q: How late can my event run?
  • A: GW is open Monday-Sunday from 11 a.m.-7p.m. If you would like your event to occur past our hours of operation, there is an additional staffing/security fee of $70.00 per hour starting at 9pm. Events may last only until 11pm with the catering, DJ/Band exiting one hour after your event time. These arrangements must be made prior to your event time. You will not be permitted to extend the hours of your event at the time of the event.
  • Q: Do you have a kitchen facility?
  • A: Yes, we have a caterer´swarming kitchen located in Studio 238.
  • Q: Can we smoke at or inside of GW?
  • A: No. There is no smoking inside the GW or on its campus, including the parking lot. Guests must use the public sidewalk area for smoking, off the GW grounds.
  • Q: Can we have our wedding ceremony and reception at the GW?
  • A: Absolutely. People have gotten married in our film theatre and our largest gallery space, the Cohen Gallery (times and availability vary for both). Some of our couples have had a small ceremony in the room and then open the reception up to family and friends. The fun thing about having your wedding at GW is that we are an art center, and therefore, there are things for your guests to see and do while they await the reception!
  • Q: What time can we get in to decorate for our event?
  • A: Typically, GW works with a client and their budget to find a bracket of time that suits them. This means that most events get set up the day before with an additional fee. The FRC is happy to discuss options with the clients to find a way to make it work for everyone.
  • Q: Do you have ample parking?
  • A: Yes, we do. GW has over 200 parking spaces for your guests. Parking is always free at GW.
  • Q: We are interested in having a corporate event. Do you do teambuilding activities?
  • A: Yes! The GW has a wonderful teambuilding program, which can accommodate teams from 6 up to 200.