VAN WERT, Ohio (WANE) – Since opening in 2007, the Niswonger Performing Arts Center has been the "crown jewel" of the area, according to Van Wert Live. And according to Van Wert Live marketing director Quincy Thompson, it doesn't get the acknowledgment it deserves. A view of the Niswonger Performing Arts Center from the stage. "We are a hidden gem, we are literally in a cornfield," Thompson said. The 1,200-seat auditorium has played home to all sorts of acts from comedians to orchestras, and with its proximity to Fort Wayne, Van Wert Live thinks it's situated perfectly. "One of the really cool things about this is that this is a venue size that feels really intimate that maybe Fort Wayne doesn't necessarily have this exact number of seats in the house," Thompson said. "And we're only 35 minutes from downtown Fort Wayne." The venue was made possible by a Van Wert High School graduate who has made millions in aviation. Scott Niswonger gave $2 million to help build the facility. Van Wert Live says it was thanks to, "The Van Wert County Foundation, Scott Niswonger, many businesses, corporations, and hundreds of individuals and organizations." A plaque commemorating Scott Niswonger in the main lobby. The auditorium is marked with Niswonger's name, and a statue of him welcomes you as you enter the parking lot: a young Niswonger holding a plane to commemorate his business ventures. The facility was gifted to Van Wert schools, and it's leased out to the Van Wert Area Performing Arts Foundation while still being used for educational purposes. Below you can take a video tour of the facility or check out Van Wert Live's website for future shows.