ABOUT Saint James Place
Saint James Place opened in 2017 as a state-of-the-art cultural center and event space where Berkshire County residents and visitors enjoy year-round music, theater, dance, and other performances along with lectures, classes and meetings. Since opening, over 40 arts groups in need of quality performance, rehearsal and office space have brought their creativity to Saint James Place. All this in a fully air-conditioned and handicap accessible space with perfect acoustics.
Saint James Place is committed to enriching the non-profit landscape in the Berkshires. It is to this end that we built a free and permanent home for the People’s Pantry, which offers a weekly food supplementation to residents of Southern Berkshire County regardless of income and family size. We also provide affordable office space for small non-profit groups and support each of their missions in any way we can.
Saint James Episcopal Church was built in 1857. It is a significant and early example of 19th century Gothic Revival architecture in Western Massachusetts, constructed of locally quarried blue dolomite limestone with a central tower, pointed arch windows, and exquisite stained glass.
In 2008 the wall at the rear of the choir experienced partial collapse, creating a dangerous safety hazard and the building was condemned. In 2010 Sally and Fred Harris, former parishioners and Great Barrington residents, stepped in to rescue the historic church by creating a non-profit entity to purchase the property as multi-use cultural and educational center.
After seven years of extensive renovations, Saint James Place was re-opened to the public in January of 2017.
Our cultural center comes alive because of our community principal partners. We thank them for bringing their talent to Saint James Place. From madrigal music to avant-garde theater performances to art exhibits, there’s always something new at Saint James Place.
Great Barrington is a small town with a big personality. It’s been labeled “quietly cool” by Vogue and listed as one of Smithsonian Magazine’s Best Small Towns in America. And in 2018 Downtown Great Barrington was designated as a Cultural District by the Massachusetts Cultural Council.
The mission of The People’s Pantry is to reduce hunger in the Southern Berkshires by distributing food in a manner that preserves the dignity and sense of self-worth of each shopper. All are welcome and there are no income guidelines and no limits on shopper visits.
Saint James Place hosts many corporate events including conferences, annual meetings and workshops. Our three event spaces make it easy to coordinate breakout sessions and general meetings. Easy parking, walking distance to shops and restaurants in Great Barrington, and air-conditioning make Saint James Place an ideal spot for a corporate event.
The East Room is perfect for a more intimate event or breakout room and can fit 80 theater style, 64 seated for reception or 123 standing.
The mullioned windows in the Great Hall add to its grandeur. There is room for 130 theater style, 100 seated for reception, or 188 standing. With easy access to our catering kitchen and a separate entrance to the paring lot, the Great Hall is a perfect spot for dinners, meetings, lectures, or exhibits.
The stained glass filled Sanctuary seats 258 on the ground level (including 14 handicapped accessible seats) and 30 in the balcony. The stage measures 30’ X 16’. With perfect acoustics, the room is perfect for concerts, weddings, performances, or other events.
Saint James Place welcomes guests of all abilities. Our building meets all Americans with Disabilities Act requirements. All areas of the building (with the exception of the sanctuary balcony) are accessible by wheelchair. Accessible parking spaces are available in our parking lot. Trained service animals are permitted. Please let us know what we can do to make you feel welcome.