In 1896, Paris Gibson, the founder of Great Falls, stood center as the building that would one day bear his name was dedicated as a school for only 46 students with the immense promise of all who would come later. The magnificent sandstone structure, now a nationally registered historical landmark, originally served as Central High School for 34 years and then as Paris Gibson Junior High for 45 years. In 1977, community volunteers renovated the historic building as a center for contemporary art.