Berry School of Arts

A little bit of history

The Berry School of Arts, Alexandra St Berry, was opened on January 18th 1906 by Alexander Berry.

A 2-storey frontage to Alexandra St provided an entrance hall, stairway and four rooms for billiards, a library, a Masonic lodge, and council chambers. Behind this was a large hall with gallery, stage and dressing rooms (The supper room and kitchen were subsequent additions. The outside staircase was built in 1932 to meet safety standards)

All community activities continued, with increased scope for music drama and social events. There were classes for millinery and needlework, boxing and chess were introduced. A natural history museum was set up in the library. Literary competitions encouraged participation by juniors. The ladies organised balls, fashion shows, flower shows and card parties. The hall could be hired for social functions.

Between 1920 and 1965 it served as the local cinema. All proceeds went to the maintenance of the hall and were managed by a local committee.

Today

Shoalhaven City Council manages the hall.

Functions and events at the hall include: Shoalhaven Art Society meetings, art painting, life drawing, art exhibitions, drama, music lessons, ADFAS, antique shows, flower shows, food and wine festivals, book sales, musicals, luncheons, weddings, meetings and special events.

The hall is available for hire. For more information, please contact Shoalhaven City Council here: http://shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au/My-Community/Community-facilities/Community-centres-public-halls/Berry-School-of-Arts

The ‘Application Form’ for hire & ‘Fees & Charges’ are at the top right of this web-page: http://shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au/My-Community/Community-facilities/Community-centres-public-halls