Welcome

The Paradise Center is a valued public facility re-purposed from a historic public school to a community, visitor and arts center. The Center hosts performances, artist shows, a history museum and visitor center attractions.

After over 100 years of service, Paradise Elementary School closed its doors in 2013 after educating many generations of students in this once thriving railroad community in Northwest Montana. The Paradise Elementary School Preservation Committee is a group of community residents who value this historic structure and the important role it has played—and will continue to play—in the economic and cultural life of Sanders County.  Their efforts have resulted in The Paradise Center, a community, arts, and visitors center for area residents, county students, and the many tourists who now drive by on their way to other western Montana destinations. The Paradise Center will become an important economic, social, and cultural mainstay for our region.

CURRENT EVENTS

About Us

The Paradise Center is the second life of the former Paradise Elementary School, currently owned by Sanders County and operated by the Paradise Elementary School Preservation Committee (PESPC). The 1910 school building is possibly the most important historic building in Sanders County.  When the school closed in 2013, concerned residents from across the county participated in a public meeting to discuss the future of the site. Some came together to form the PESPC to ensure the site was preserved and repurposed for continued service to and access by the public.

The committee has worked tirelessly to sustain the historic integrity of the site while reimagining how it could remain a vital and viable part of the community. Today, the site is used and/or visited by more than 2000 people annually. Uses include family and community events, dramatic and musical performances, classes, and drop-in visits to see the many exhibits.

The new life of the former Paradise School focuses on continued service to the public, both in terms of sharing history as well as offering contemporary resources. After renovations to ensure sustainability and improvements to enhance accessibility, The Paradise Center is ready to serve the community, visitors, and the arts for another 100 years.

What We Offer

Sustaining and maintaining a historic site and creating a legacy and relevancy for it in contemporary times has been the focus of many individuals since the historic Paradise Elementary School closed in 2013. Today, The Paradise Center is unique in its three areas of service. Each area is independent in its specific focus, but all are interdependent in supporting the site.  The three areas are the direct result of a countywide meeting soon after the school closed. Participants offered numerous ideas for the future of the site. Almost all those ideas are captured in the three areas of service currently available.  The board of directors and the many volunteers who work to implement services continually improve and enhance offerings. Visit this space and this website often! Opportunities for enjoyment, education, and creative expression are always changing!

In The News

Thank You

The Paradise Center would like extend a special thank you to the following organizations for their continued support: