About Peoria

Peoria, initially settled in 1680, is the oldest community in the state. During its three centuries of civilization, Peoria has lived under four flags: Spanish, French, British, and American.

The name "Peoria" comes from the natives who inhabited the region when the French first explored it. In 1673, Louis de Joliet and Pere Jacques Marquette were the first Europeans to record a visit to the region. Subsequently two French military establishments and three other French settlements were founded near to or on Peoria Lake (called "Pimiteoui" by the natives).

Metropolitan Peoria today provides the stage for a perpetual celebration of the arts. Top-drawer talent and high standards consistently produce some of the best and most exciting offerings of the performing and visual arts that you'll find anywhere.

Music, theater, and dance come alive on Peoria's stages. Many of the performances feature local artists, while some import guest artists from around the United States and Europe.

Peoria's galleries are filled with permanent and traveling art exhibits of international acclaim. Admission to all Peoria galleries is free, but the experience is priceless. You'll also find exciting pieces of sculpture sprinkled throughout Peoria's parks, streets, and neighborhoods.

There's an old vaudeville line that's all too familiar to native Peorians. It seemed that when a vaudeville act was new, they'd bring it to Peoria first to try it out--to find out the answer to that now-familiar question, "Will it play in Peoria?" It seems that Peoria had a reputation for being a city that demanded a lot from its performers. This discriminating taste endures in Peoria today and keeps our standards high.

Now even more entertainers are coming to "play in Peoria" at the $64 million Civic Center. Peoria's Civic Center is a complete, self-contained 20-acre convention and entertainment complex second to none.

Located in the heart of Peoria's revitalized downtown, the Civic Center is within easy walking distance of fine hotels and restaurants with plenty of parking nearby. The complex is composed of three separate buildings: convention center, arena, and theater. Since its opening in June 1982, the Civic Center has hosted entertainers such as Tina Turner, Bon Jovi, Huey Lewis and the News, Paula Abdul, Genesis, Eddie Murphy, and Van Halen. The Civic Center also hosts the Bradley Braves as well as professional hockey and ice shows.