Our History

This arts center opened its doors in 1988 through the "Sociedad femenina de Cultura", a foundation Inge created in 1966 in Ecuador.

It has been the star achievement of her work and involved a vision to the future and demands of a rapid growing society in search of a comprehensive education that would serve a collective spirit.

It includes:

A large performance theater with an auditorium of 869 seats, dressing rooms for 200 artists, facilities for disabled persons ,restrooms, ticket offices and parking.

A smaller informal theater with 240 seats with all facilities

A multi purpose area (conferences, workshops etc) that can fit up to 80 persons

Outdoor areas, such as the Arena, the entrance theater steps and the terrace, all with great versatility for larger performances

Spaces for Ballet schools of all levels, music lessons for instruments and voice and visual arts classes .

This groundbreaking cultural center became a beacon for artistic education and performance, embodying Inge's vision of comprehensive arts education that would serve the entire community.

Since its inauguration up to this day, the center has been active with its schools and classes, hosting national and international performances in music, dance, theater, and more.

As a pioneering figure in Ecuador's cultural landscape,a lasting legacy was created that continues to inspire and empower new generations

Inge was born in 1927 and graduated as a ballet dancer and teacher in Hamburg, Germany. She then opened her own private dance academy in Guayaquil, Ecuador where she married Thomas D. Hollihan and raised five children together with him.

Because of the lack of adequate spaces for performances she was very creative in organizing artistic groups in order to give them access to the public. To make this growing activity possible she founded the "Sociedad femenina de Cultura" in 1986.

This magnificent, creative and active group of ladies became a huge pillar in the cultural world of Guayaquil.

Without resources but with willpower and engagement they found venues for artistic performances created awareness in the community for their cause and followed their dream by building an art center for the city and its surroundings.

It was a gigantic effort of the team, a volunteering society and the local and national governments that made this dream come true.

As a pioneering figure in Ecuador's cultural landscape, Inge built a legacy that continues to inspire new generations.

This is the legacy we wish to continue.