Wednesday, September 03, 2014

Wiltern Theatre


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:

Suzanne said...

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!

Daisy said...

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!