Plans/Renovation
Bellforge’s bold vision for the arts recasts the core buildings and grounds of the former Medfield State Hospital into a vibrant public place pulsing with intergenerational activity and creative energy. The project renovates the historic Lee Chapel and Infirmary, connects the two buildings with a new glass annex, and develops surrounding green space for outdoor performances and community events. It is rare to find a place in our state with this magnificent mix of features poised to deliver so many transformational benefits.
Performance Venue
Flexible, Multi-use Concert Hall
- 300-seat venue for music, theatre and dance
- Lectures, film screenings and poetry readings
- Community and business meeting space
- Ensemble rehearsal space
- Wedding and special event venue
- Indoor art exhibits
- Catering kitchen
- Upstairs staff/office space
Education Facilities
Rehearsal Space & Classroom
- 17 classrooms on 3 floors
- 9 studios for private lessons
- Ensemble and rock band space
- Studios for hands-on art classes
- Larger rooms for rehearsal and dance space
- Residencies and master classes
- Daytime use for adults/seniors
- After school youth programs
- Summer creative arts camps
Open Space
Outdoor Stage & Community Activity
- Tented stage for performances
- Arts festivals
- Craft fairs
- Farmers markets
- Outdoor movies and exhibits
- Lawn concerts
- Theatre under the stars
- Community programming and events
Rooted in nature and a legacy of healing, Bellforge nurtures community, creativity and self-expression through the arts.
This is our canvas
- Listed on both the National and State Registers of Historic Places, the landmark Medfield State Hospital is a stunning destination with open fields, mature trees and rolling hills surrounding 35 buildings overlooking the Charles River.
- The site features beautiful vistas and access to walking trails and the “outer Emerald Necklace” of Eastern Massachusetts’ 230-mile Bay Circuit Trail.
- The campus provides a large footprint with ample opportunity to expand in years ahead.
- Located 15 minutes from I-95, 10 minutes from Route 1, and 20 minutes from the Mass Pike, the property is easily accessible for artists and patrons, yet still provides tranquil green space to experience nature and the arts.
A transformative vision
The exciting transformation will newly envision the site’s irreplaceable historic, cultural and natural resources. With your support, a performing arts and education center at the heart of the campus will restore its prominence as a purposeful and inspiring regional treasure. We have completed a market analysis, feasibility study and schematic designs for the arts center and the project is receiving significant historic tax credits (anticipated to exceed $4 million). The Bellforge Arts Center will not only offer arts excellence and enjoyment; it will capitalize on a rich legacy of healing arts, renovate historic structures, activate outdoor spaces, attract tourism, support local businesses and propel creative responses to the challenges of our times. Should you be interested in reviewing any of the detailed analysis or design documents, please contact us at info@bellforge.org.