For one night only, on Thursday April 2, 2026 join Chefs Lydia Shire, Gordon Hamersley, Jody Adams, and Joanne Chang under the historic Cyclorama dome to celebrate Boston’s culinary and cultural legacy in support of Boston Center for the Arts.
Dinner Under the Dome brings together some of Boston’s most celebrated chefs for a one-night only culinary experience inside the historic Cyclorama at Boston Center for the Arts. Guests will enjoy a collaborative, one-night-only menu while the space comes alive with performances and artistic moments created by BCA artists and artists in residence. Food and art share the spotlight, creating a lively gathering that celebrates Boston’s culinary and cultural legacy and the chefs and artists who contribute to the city’s cultural life and vibrancy every day. Proceeds from the evening support Boston Center for the Arts and the artists who call BCA home.
GUEST EXPERIENCES
Patron Experience — $2,500 Limited availability
- 5:00 PM – Pre-dinner cocktail reception
- 6:00 PM – Four-course seated dinner
- 8:00 PM – Curtain Call Reception
Curtain Call Reception — $500
- 8:00 PM – Enjoy food stations curated by our four acclaimed chefs, and sip cocktails while connecting with artists, patrons of the arts, surrounded by immersive activations in the Cyclorama.
FAQs
- What makes Dinner Under The Dome different from a typical gala?
Dinner Under the Dome is an exclusive, one-night only collaboration with this distinguished group of chefs — designed to feel immersive, dynamic, and distinctly arts-centered rather than a traditional seated fundraiser. Throughout the evening, culinary, visual, and performative art will unfold in conversation with one another, transforming the Cyclorama into a living canvas
We will also introduce our new Artistic Director and share more about the direction of Boston Center for the Arts as we enter a new chapter.
- What does “immersive” mean in this context?
Artists in Residence will activate the space with live, spontaneous moments during the evening, creating a dynamic environment in the historic Cyclorama
- What is the overall vibe of the evening?
Creative cocktail attire is encouraged. The tone will be elegant, artistic, and celebratory while still feeling welcoming and warm.
- What is included in the Patron Experience ($2,500)?
The full evening begins at 5:00 PM, with a cocktail hour with passed hors d’oeuvres, a four-course seated dinner from acclaimed Boston chefs Lydia Shire, Gordon Hamersley, Jody Adams, and Joanne Chang. Guests are welcome to continue their evening into the Curtain Call Reception, where there will be an opportunity to experience even more food, art, and socializing with other patrons of the arts. We encourage you to arrive on time to get the most out of your experience!
- What is included in the Curtain Call Reception ($500)?
Beginning at 8:00 PM, guests are welcome to join for cocktails and chef-hosted stations showcasing sweet and savory small bites prepared by our four acclaimed Boston chefs Lydia Shire, Gordon Hamersley, Jody Adams, and Joanne Chang. You can expect a chance to socialize with other arts lovers, artists themselves, and experience artistic activations in the Cyclorama.
- I would like to sponsor a BCA artist to attend the Curtain Call Reception. How can I do that?
To sponsor a BCA artist, please purchase a ticket and indicate “For BCA Artist” in the comments section at checkout. We will ensure your ticket is allocated accordingly.
- What time does the event end?
The full evening is expected to conclude at 11pm. The evening will conclude with a coffee and dessert reception in the front salon at 10:15pm.
- Will there be speeches?
There will be brief remarks, including an introduction of the new Artistic Director, but the focus of the evening remains on the experience itself.
- Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?
Yes. Please indicate dietary needs when purchasing tickets or contact us directly in advance. The best way to contact us is bcadevelopment@bostonarts.org
- Is my ticket tax-deductible?
Unfortunately, due to restrictions with the IRS, event tickets are not tax-deductible. If you choose to make an additional donation, that would be tax-deductible.
- What does my ticket support?
Proceeds support the Boston Center for the Arts’ mission, including artist residencies, performances, exhibitions, and campus operations. Boston Center for the Arts (BCA) supports working artists to create, perform, and exhibit new works; develops new audiences; and connects the arts to community.
A leading force in the city’s cultural community, Boston Center for the Arts has supported thousands of individual artists, small organizations, and performing arts companies, who add depth and dimension to the Boston arts ethos. Through residencies and programming, Boston Center for the Arts serves as an epicenter for an expanding cohort of artists working across all disciplines, and has catalyzed careers by providing fertile ground for experimentation and artistic risk-taking
- Is this a good event to bring someone new to BCA?
Yes. The evening is designed to showcase the breadth of BCA’s work and community.
- Who typically attends this event?
Anybody who is arts curious and interested in attending! In attendance will surely be artists, community leaders, longtime supporters, and new friends of BCA, along with Board members.
- What is the dress code?
Creative cocktail attire.
- Is the Cyclorama accessible?
Yes. The venue is ADA accessible.
- Is parking available?
Parking is notably sparse in the South End. We recommend people utilize rideshares or public transportation to join us this evening. Click here for directions and parking information.
- Are tickets limited?
Yes. Dinner seating is intentionally limited to 60 seats to create an intimate experience. Tickets to the curtain call are more plentiful, but we do expect them to sell out.
With Support From
