In the late 1970s a group of residents belonging to three local Rotary clubs sought to find a home for the Santa Rosa Symphony and to form a cultural arts center serving the Redwood Empire. They set their sights on purchasing a 53-acre, 140,000 square foot complex then owned by the Christian Life Center . In 1979, the 12 founders bought the building and surrounding property for $4.5-million. In 1981 the Center (known as the Luther Burbank Center for the Arts) opened its doors to the public with debut performances by the Santa Rosa Symphony and performing artists such as Anne Murray and Steve Allen.

Historical Highlights:
. Land and building complex purchased: 1979
. Debut performance: 1981
. Museum opens: 1981
. Education & Family Program begins: 1989
. New theater seats replace church pews : 2000
. Radical shift in programming to feature world class artists & entertainers: 2001
. New sound system installed in main theater: 2003
. Chapel becomes state-of-the-art Carston Cabaret: 2004
. Center enters into land sale contract with Sutter Hospital : 2004
. Landmark naming sponsorship agreement leads to new identity
  - Wells Fargo Center for the Arts: 2006

The newly named Wells Fargo Center for the Arts remains under the same able leadership of our longtime community-based foundation and Board of Directors. As we bring to close an important era in the Arts Center 's history, we want to pay tribute to the legacy of Luther Burbank who lent his name to our organization for 24 years. .A historic horticulturalist, Luther Burbank is remembered as one of the region's finest and most renowned citizens. We are proud to have served our community under the title of this fine man.