Pasadena Civic Auditorium: A Historic Venue in Southern California

Pasadena Civic Auditorium: You’ve likely driven by it hundreds of times and never realized the historic significance contained within those art deco walls. The Pasadena Civic Auditorium has been an integral part of the city’s cultural fabric for over 85 years.

As soon as you walk through the front doors, you feel transported to a glamorous era of live entertainment. This iconic venue has hosted some of the biggest names in music, from Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald to modern artists like Billie Eilish and Harry Styles.

History of the Pasadena Civic Auditorium

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The Pasadena Civic Auditorium has been a centerpiece of Pasadena culture since its opening in 1932. This historic venue was designed in a mix of Spanish Colonial Revival and Art Deco styles, reminiscent of early 20th century Pasadena architecture.

For decades, the Civic Auditorium has hosted major events, from concerts and awards shows to political rallies and conventions. Legends like Frank Sinatra, Bob Hope, and Billie Holiday graced its stage. The auditorium was even used as a bomb shelter during World War II!

  • In the 1950s and 60s, the venue solidified its status as a premier concert hall. Icons like Elvis Presley, The Beatles, and Jimi Hendrix played memorable shows there.
  • The Civic Auditorium underwent renovations in the 1970s and 90s to improve acoustics and modernize facilities while preserving its historic charm. New features included upgraded seating, a retractable movie screen, and a theater organ.

Today, the Pasadena Civic Auditorium continues to attract world-class performers and events. Though other local venues have more contemporary amenities, the Civic Auditorium remains beloved for its historic architecture and prestige. Catching a show at this iconic theater is a quintessential Southern California experience.

Whether you’re interested in music, history, or culture, the Pasadena Civic Auditorium is a venue not to miss. With nearly a century of memories within its walls, it offers an unparalleled glimpse into Pasadena’s storied past and exciting future.

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Notable Events Held at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium

The Pasadena Civic Auditorium has hosted some legendary performers and events over its 87-year history. If those walls could talk, the stories they would tell!

As far back as the 1930s, the Civic hosted major jazz musicians like Benny Goodman and Count Basie. In the ‘50s and ‘60s, iconic artists graced the stage, from Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr. to Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin. More recently, A-listers like Bruno Mars, John Mayer, and Chance the Rapper have played sold-out shows there.

The Civic has also hosted major comedy acts, from Bob Hope and George Burns to Jerry Seinfeld and Ali Wong. And who could forget the annual Comic-Con, Rose Parade and Emmy Awards events? The venue has even been used for filming major movies like A Star is Born.

Over the decades, the Pasadena Civic Auditorium cemented its status as an important stop for artists on tour. It represents an era of glamor and grandeur that still lives on today. If you get a chance to catch a show at this historic SoCal venue, take it. You’ll be witnessing musical history in action and gaining an experience you won’t soon forget.

Renovations and Upgrades Over the Years

The Pasadena Civic Auditorium has undergone several renovations and upgrades over its 100-year history to keep it up to modern standards while preserving its historic architecture.

1990s Renovation

In the 1990s, the venue went through a major renovation to upgrade its infrastructure. The electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems were modernized, and ADA-compliant restrooms and access ramps were added. Its interior was also refreshed while maintaining its historic details like the art deco light fixtures and marble floors. These renovations allowed the Civic to continue hosting world-class events.

Recent Upgrades

More recently, the Civic has made additional upgrades to improve the experience for audiences and performers. A new state-of-the-art sound system and high-definition video screens were installed, providing high-quality acoustics and visuals from any seat in the house. Backstage areas like the dressing rooms were also remodeled to meet the needs of today’s shows and provide a comfortable space for artists to prepare.

Other improvements you may notice on your next visit to the Civic include:

  • Wider, more comfortable seating in the orchestra and balcony sections.
  • Additional concession stands for faster service.
  • Enhanced Wi-Fi and phone charging stations throughout the venue.
  • A redesigned outdoor plaza and entryway.

Through ongoing renovations and upgrades to its amenities, the Pasadena Civic Auditorium strives to continue offering an unparalleled live entertainment experience while preserving an important piece of the city’s architectural heritage. Far from a relic of the past, this historic venue is well equipped to host audiences and performers for decades to come.

Architectural Features of the Pasadena Civic Auditorium

The Pasadena Civic Auditorium is an architectural gem, with many notable features that showcase a mix of styles. When it opened in 1932, it was hailed as one of the finest municipal auditoriums in the country.

Exterior

The exterior has a Spanish Colonial Revival style, with its arches, tile roofs, and textured stucco walls. The front entrance is framed by a decorative tile archway and flanked by twin bell towers. The towers are topped with arched windows and domed roofs clad in terra cotta tiles.

Interior

Upon entering, you’ll notice the auditorium has an Italian Renaissance revival style. The lobby has a grand marble staircase and stately columns. The main auditorium features gilded balconies, hand-painted ceiling frescoes, and three massive chandeliers that provide a warm glow.

The Stage

The proscenium arch stage has a fly loft that can accommodate large productions. There are dressing rooms, an orchestra pit, and lighting and rigging systems to support major performances. The wooden stage floor even has a mechanism that can be raised for additional seating.

Other Amenities

Additional amenities include a ballroom, banquet room, and lounge spaces. There are also offices, a library, workshop, and rehearsal rooms. Underneath the auditorium are workshops, dressing rooms, and an underground parking garage.

This historic venue remains an important center for civic events, cultural programs, and live entertainment in Pasadena to this day. Its architectural grandeur and state-of-the-art facilities have allowed it to host everything from beauty pageants to Broadway shows over its 85+ year history. If you get a chance to take a guided tour, you’ll gain an appreciation for this local cultural treasure.

Future Plans for the Historic Venue

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The historic Pasadena Civic Auditorium has big plans for future renovations and upgrades to ensure it remains an integral part of the community for years to come. As it approaches its 90th anniversary, the city approved a master plan in 2021 outlining improvements to make the venue more accessible, enhance the audience experience, and improve its environmental sustainability.

Some of the proposed enhancements include:

  • An expanded lobby and new entrance to improve crowd flow and make the space more inviting.
  • Wider aisles and more legroom between seats for added comfort.
  • Upgraded concession stands and additional restrooms to reduce wait times.
  • State-of-the-art sound, lighting and rigging systems for higher quality live performances and events.
  • Solar panels on the roof and other energy efficient upgrades to make the building more eco-friendly.

While preserving its historic architecture and charm, these renovations will allow the Pasadena Civic Auditorium to better serve the community in the decades to come. The venue has been integral to the city’s arts and culture scene since opening in 1932, hosting everything from musical acts and comedy shows to political rallies and award ceremonies.

Though construction timelines are still being finalized, the city aims to complete the upgrades and improvements without any major closures. The master plan strikes a careful balance between modernizing the space and maintaining its historic character, which is what makes this Southern California landmark so special. When the project is finished, the Pasadena Civic Auditorium will be well-equipped to remain an community focal point and continue creating memories for many more years.

FAQ

The Pasadena Civic Auditorium has been hosting events for over 85 years, so they’ve built up a list of frequently asked questions. Here are some of the top things people want to know about this historic venue:

When was the Pasadena Civic Auditorium built?

The Pasadena Civic Auditorium opened in February 1932. It was designed by architects Myron Hunt and H.C. Chambers in the Spanish Colonial Revival style popular in Southern California at the time.

What types of events are held there?

The Pasadena Civic Auditorium hosts a variety of live entertainment events, including:

  • Music concerts: Everything from rock and pop to classical and jazz. Major artists like Bob Dylan, David Bowie, and Yo-Yo Ma have performed there.
  • Broadway shows: National touring companies frequently bring plays and musicals like Hamilton, The Lion King, and Wicked to the venue.
  • Comedians: Top comedians like Jerry Seinfeld, Ali Wong, and Jim Gaffigan have had shows at the Civic.
  • Speakers: Motivational speakers, authors on book tours, and political figures have given talks at the Civic.
  • Dance performances: Local dance schools and companies put on recitals and shows there.
  • Community events: Graduations, fundraisers, and cultural festivals are also held at the auditorium.

What amenities does the venue offer?

The Pasadena Civic Auditorium has a main auditorium with 2,997 seats, as well as lobbies, restrooms, concession stands, and a courtyard. Paid parking is available in adjacent lots and structures. The venue is fully accessible and ADA compliant.

Conclusion

So whether you’re a fan of live music, theater, dance, or comedy, the Pasadena Civic Auditorium should be at the top of your list for an evening out. This historic cultural landmark has hosted some of the greatest talents of the 20th century and continues to showcase amazing performances today.

With its stunning architecture and intimate feel, you really can’t find a bad seat in the house. Take a trip back in time and experience a show at this iconic venue – you’ll be glad you did. The memories you make there will last long after the final encore.

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