The Sparks Heritage Museum’s Cultural Center is available to rent as a unique, historic event venue. Located on the second floor of the recently restored library and justice court building, the Cultural Center is a light, airy space which features hardwood floors and historic fixtures – ideal for intimate functions, meetings, receptions, art openings, and more.
The Cultural Center looks down on Victorian Avenue, providing a prime view for lively downtown Sparks events such as the Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook-Off and Hot August Nights cruising.
Facility Rental
Reservations may be made by phone up to 12 months prior to the desired date. Reservations are not confirmed until the specified deposit is received and the Reservation Application signed by the Sparks Heritage Museum.
Room capacity is up to 150 depending on configuration. Tables and chairs are available on site.
Facility Use Agreement
A special place for your special event, the Cultural Center offers a distinctive setting for your special holiday events, company or private parties, weddings, receptions, seminars, reunions, or VIP dinners.
About the Building
A prominent visual landmark at the gateway to Victorian Square, the Sparks Heritage Museum was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984. The colorful exterior of Flemish bond brick, the distinctive red tiled roof and the dramatic semi circular arched entry make it a captivating building. Its Mediterranean Revival style is unique to the area. Designed by prominent Nevada architect Fredrich DeLongchamps and constructed in 1931 by Rousch and Belz Contractors, the building was originally constructed as the Sparks Branch Washoe County Library and is the oldest extant government building in Sparks.
The Sparks Branch Washoe County Library is significant because it was the first public library in Sparks and also the first gift to Sparks from Washoe County. As the public library from 1931 to 1964, the building served as a meeting place for many civic organizations. Its prominent location in the downtown core and the lack of other public buildings contributed to its importance to the community. The “Old Library and Justice Court Building” is one of only five non-residential buildings designed by Fredrick DeLonchamps still standing in this city.
Originally the Library was upstairs and the County Justice Court downstairs. In 1965 the Library moved and the Justice Court expanded to fill the whole building. The interior was remodeled around this time. After the Justice Court moved, in 1996 title changed from Washoe County to the City of Sparks. The city began utilizing the upstairs as offices and the Sparks Heritage Museum expanded into the downstairs. In January 2008, the Sparks Heritage Museum was granted occupancy of the entire building and work on a five year Revitalization Plan began.
The two completed phases of the multi-phased plan restored the historical integrity of the upstairs space, now the Cultural Center. This project rehabilitated the interior to reflect and exhibit the architecture of the 1930’s. Original architectural features are accentuated and woodwork typical of the period of significance was incorporated.
The decision to convert the “Old Library and Justice Court” building to a museum dates back to 1981 when a Cooperative Agreement between Washoe County and the City of Sparks was recorded. The Sparks Branch Washoe County Library building was subsequently placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
