The building is the former Clayton Elementary School, which closed in 1997. The center was created through a public-private partnership between the Town of Clayton and the Clayton Cultural Arts Foundation. Fundraising support for the center is conducted through the Clayton Cultural Arts Foundation. The center opened in December 2002.
Receptions, trade shows and weddings are held in the center's main lobby adjacent to the glass atrium. Meeting rooms are located on the center's first and second floor. The center's 600-seat auditorium is available for large presentations, film screenings, concerts, pageants and other performing arts.
Among its many operations, The Clayton Center presents a Palladian Series each season featuring internationally touring artists.
