Exciting updates for a decidedly different community

Saranac Lake has long been a hub of activity, of art, and historical interest, and throughout the years, residents and visitors have truly celebrated and highlighted the village’s unique character. Through galleries, artists’ collaboratives, museums, and libraries, Saranac Lake has maintained that vibrant feel to this day. 2026 brought new updates to the area’s arts and culture offerings with exciting results.

Historic Saranac Lake’s Trudeau Building

A large part of Saranac Lake’s history is its role as a destination for “taking the cure” for tuberculosis. That began with one man, Dr. Edward L. Trudeau, who built a home, laboratory, and sanatarium here. After years of dreaming, planning, fundraising, and incredible hard work, Historic Saranac Lake has opened the latest piece of its growing museum campus: the restored Trudeau Building.

Once the home of Dr. Trudeau and his family, the building spent time as various offices before HSL was able to purchase the building in 2019 and begin this monumental project. Officially opened in August, the house has been restored to what it would have looked like in the 1800s. Architectural details that were once lost or covered over have been restored or recreated, including distinctive oval windows, fireplace mantels, and lighting. 

Amid the immersive atmosphere, Historic Saranac Lake staff, consultants, and expert contributors have created world-class museum exhibits, allowing the organization to significantly expand its offerings on topics including Great Camps, living and working in the wilderness, and the Haudenosaunee, the Indigenous people who have made the Adirondacks home for thousands of years.

Here, history is celebrated not as something old and dusty, but as something vibrant and which has shaped who we are today.

Pendragon Theatre

In 1980, an intrepid couple from Manhattan, Susan Neale and Bob Pettee, began what would become, more than 45 years later, one of the most prominent arts organizations in the Adirondacks: the renowned Pendragon Theatre. Pendragon began in humble surroundings that became beloved: a former dairy barn and auto shop tucked away on Brandy Brook Avenue. A theatrical hidden gem, Pendragon’s rustic Adirondack exterior belied the impressive professional productions within. 

Each year, Pendragon productions have thrilled sold-out audiences with drama, musical theatre, and comedy. The dynamic mix of local and professional actors has meant that Tony-winning actors have shared the stage with emerging playwrights and ardent local performers.

Despite its tremendous success, Pendragon eventually outgrew its space and a new venue was needed to further the theatre company’s success. An ambitious fundraising campaign culminated in the construction of a fully professional theatre designed to offer both audiences and the performers a top-notch experience. The building also has space for other community organizations to hold events, broadening the theatre’s reach into the community that has helped support it for so many years.

The new Pendragon Theatre opened in April of 2026, with the first production opening in June. Since then, productions have included Beetlejuice Jr., the popular British farce Noises Off, with upcoming productions of A Christmas Carol and a one-man portrayal of Winston Churchill, as well as acting classes.

Cedar Street Studios

Saranac Lake has been a haven for artists for many years and to this day the village abounds with public murals, sculpture, galleries, and special art-centric events. One of the biggest names in the local art’s scene was BluSeed Studios, which hosted classes, a shop, live events, and more. Sadly, BluSeed closed in 2025, but the exciting space—and the spirit of the endeavor—wasn’t vacant for long!

2026 saw the opening of Cedar Street Studios, the project of local artist and former BluSeed contributor Jazen Reuss. Reuss and Cedar Street Studios supporters quickly began work on renovating and updating the space; a gallery which will feature shows of local art opened in August and a shop featuring local art opening in the fall. Maker spaces and the ceramics studio are getting updates as well, so that local artists without their own home studios can access space, tools, and the camaraderie of their fellow artists.

Cedar Street Studios will continue to update the facilities, add new art shows and special events throughout the rest of 2026, so watch for more details!

Looking ahead

As the leaves change color and fall to the ground like natural confetti, now is an ideal time to plan a getaway to the historic, artistically distinctive Saranac Lake. Plan a long weekend or a relaxed mid-week journey to soak up the latest museum, theatre, and art offerings, all surrounded by expansive, awe-inspiring scenery, activities, and inspired food and drink. No matter where you go, you’ll find art, history, and inspiration flowing through the village.