The Wiltern's neon sign
Clad in blue-green
Gladding-McBean terracotta tile,
the Wiltern Theatre is one of the most magnificent buildings in Los Angeles and may, indeed, be one
of the finest examples of Art Deco architecture in the U.S. Built in 1931, the
theater majestically sits at the corner of Wilshire Blvd. and Western. Hence
its name: Wiltern.
Blue-green terracotta exterior
Exterior entrance: art deco detail above the old box office
We’ve seen many concerts
here—plus, I love showing it off to out-of-towners—so we know the Wiltern. However, the day before leaving for Alaska
(see below), we got the chance to take a behind-the-scenes tour with the Los Angeles Historic Theatre Foundation and truly saw the building for the first time.
Lobby
Wall detail
Wall and ceiling detail
Art deco staircase: ceiling detail
Auditorium wall detail
The stage: view from the balcony
Stage rigging
Stage from the catwalk above
Fire curtain, lowered right before we left
Auditorium ceiling
OK, so we kinda went berserk
taking pictures of lamps. But seriously, aren’t these the most beautiful light
fixtures you’ve ever seen? Be sure to click on the images to enlarge.
Lobby
Wall lamp
Inside the auditorium
More lobby
More ceiling
Main chandelier
Chandelier mural detail
Chandelier
2 comments:
I loved your photos and comments. We lived 2 blocks from the theater many years ago. We went there once or twice but I sure didn't remember how beautiful it is. Thanks for bringing back some positive memories!
Wow, what a gorgeous place. Beautiful light fixtures. Thanks for the tour.
In 1977 or 78, I drove down to LA with a family friend and I was so excited to drive the freeway. I think I was just too stupid to be scared cause I sure wouldn't be driving them now.
Love the Ford Falcon!
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