The Banana Factory is a complex assembled from six buildings, including a former banana distribution warehouse, is the home to ArtsQuest’s visual arts education programs. It includes 30 studio artists, three galleries and multiple classrooms. It’s also home to Pennsylvania Youth Theatre (which offers dance, drama and voice education to students ages 6 to 18).

The Banana Factory was a proud partner for more than 13 years in the Banana Works Projects which flourished around the entire Lehigh Valley from 1998-2011. Professional artists who specialized in public art and teaching young adults worked with 9 participants in a job skills training program run by Pennsylvania CareerLink. Various community funders supported the program including Just Born, The Bethlehem Housing Authority and St Luke’s Hospital. Over the course of 6 weeks participants learned how to create sketches, present the work to the client and make alterations from that feedback. They then learned to paint or work with mosaics to create a stunning outdoor work of art from start to finish. Skills they learn is working with the team, accepting authority, arrive on time and positive attitude. Most of the participants were from the area in which the work was created, which created a continued sense of civic pride for everyone.

For more information on operating hours, admission rates and visiting guidelines please visit https://www.bananafactory.org/ or call 610-332-1300.