In the heart of Los Angeles, at the intersection of Wilshire Boulevard and Western Avenue, stands one of the city’s most beautiful architectural landmarks: the Wiltern Theatre. This theater, opened in 1931, has become a symbol of the Art Deco era and a vital cultural hub for generations of residents and visitors. Its history is a journey from a movie palace and concert venue that once faced the wrecking ball to a prestigious center of L.A.’s music scene, hosting legends from around the world. What’s the secret to the theater’s enduring success? Read on at los-angeles-trend.
History of the Theater
The Wiltern Theatre was built in 1931 from a design by architect Stiles O. Clements of Morgan, Walls & Clements, one of L.A.’s oldest architectural firms. Originally named the Warner’s Western Theatre, it opened in 1931 with the film “Alexander Hamilton,” starring George Arliss, with Warner Bros. leasing the theater for 50 years. The star-studded premiere was a grand affair: when the city refused to close the streets, a 16-foot-high lighted wooden “Bridge of Stars” was built, allowing actors to cross over to the premiere. Guests included James Cagney, Joan Blondell, Carole Lombard, Barbara Stanwyck, Clark Gable, Charles Farrell, Joan Crawford, and Marilyn Miller. The theater originally opened as the Warner Brothers Western Theater, the flagship venue for the cinema chain, and was constructed by the William Simpson Construction Company. It initially operated as a vaudeville theater, but after closing a year later, it reopened in the mid-1930s and adopted its current name—a portmanteau of its cross-streets, Wilshire Boulevard and Western Avenue. Inside, the Art Deco auditorium features a stunning decorative ceiling with a large sunburst plaster relief, whose rays resemble skyscrapers. Silver stars frame the centerpiece, which is set against a yellow-orange ceiling. The side walls are adorned with slender decorative moldings and geometric elements, which are mirrored on the cornices and serve as accent lighting.
In 1956, the theater and building were sold to the Franklin Life Insurance Company. During this period, local organ music enthusiasts restored the 37-rank Kimball organ, which at the time was the largest in Los Angeles, and held concerts at the Wiltern until the mid-1960s. In 1968, the Wiltern Theatre was leased to Pacific Theatres, which operated it until the cinema closed in 1979. The Kimball organ was dismantled. Franklin Life attempted to sell the building and even secured a demolition permit. The theater was saved only through the tireless efforts of a group of local preservationists. This success marked one of the Los Angeles Conservancy’s first major victories in its fight to preserve the city’s historic buildings.
In 1981, developer Wayne Ratkovitch purchased the property for $6.3 million with the intention of restoring it. A total of $9 million was spent on restoring the Pellissier Building and the Wiltern Theatre, with an additional $4 million dedicated to returning the theater to its original splendor. The theater reopened on May 1, 1985, as a performing arts center, featuring the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre. The Wiltern Theatre became home to the Los Angeles Opera Theatre and successfully hosted concerts and shows. Restoring the theater proved to be a complex challenge: many of the murals and decorative plasterwork were damaged, interior elements had been looted, and parts of the ceiling had collapsed. To assist with the restoration, the son of the original artist was brought in, and vintage seats were sourced from the Paramount Theater in Portland. The stage and stage house were also extended by 15 feet to accommodate live performances and large-scale productions.
After a four-year restoration, the Wiltern Theatre reopened its doors on May 1, 1985. The theater was managed by Bill Graham Presents, as well as other promoters, including Avalon Attractions, Goldenvoice, and Universal Concerts.
Milestone Events
In August 1985, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers performed on the Wiltern stage, a concert that was filmed and later used for the band’s first official live release. The theater’s original seating capacity was 2,344, but following a 2002 renovation, the main floor was converted to allow for flexible configurations, ranging from a general admission standing-room-only floor for 2,300 patrons to a more intimate seated arrangement for 1,850. The loge and mezzanine levels retained their fixed seating.
In 2000, SFX took over management of the theater, and its successors, Clear Channel Entertainment and Live Nation, have continued to book a wide array of performances. In 2002, the theater was reconfigured with a cabaret-style floor and standing room for concerts. The mezzanine seating was preserved, and the Wiltern Theatre remains a popular concert venue, hosting major music events. The Wiltern Theatre is officially recognized as a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument. From 2003 to 2006, the theater was known as the Wiltern LG due to a naming rights deal with the South Korean electronics company LG.
Today, the Wiltern hosts musical concerts, television shows, commercial shoots, and film productions. In October 2018, Sugar Studios LA opened a Dolby Atmos mix stage and a 4K color DI theater for film production on the building’s roof. Notable events include a series of concerts by Madonna in November 2019 during her Madame X Tour. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the theater urged patrons to be cautious and prioritize their health, and in November 2020, the Wiltern served as a polling place during the presidential election.
Artist Performances
For more than eight decades, the Wiltern Theatre has been one of Los Angeles’s premier concert stages, hosting performances by global music stars and cultural icons. Artists who changed the history of popular music have graced its stage, including:
- Prince: The pop legend delivered a memorable performance at the Wiltern that is still cherished by fans.
- Bruce Springsteen: “The Boss” has frequently chosen the Wiltern for intimate shows during his larger tours.
- Madonna: The Queen of Pop has held solo shows here, including a multi-night run during her Madame X Tour in 2019.
- David Bowie: The iconic artist’s concerts were always theatrical spectacles with stunning stage design.
- Coldplay: The world-renowned modern rock band has selected the Wiltern for more intimate concerts as part of their international tours.
- The Rolling Stones: The legendary rock band has performed at the theater, cementing its status as a venue for the world’s most famous artists.
The Wiltern Theatre is often used as a location for filming music videos, television shows, and movies. Its recognizable Art Deco interior, neon signs, and luxurious lobby make it a unique backdrop for visual projects.
The theater also serves as a venue for a variety of cultural events, from dance shows and theatrical productions to stand-up comedy and television broadcasts. This versatility allows the Wiltern to remain one of Los Angeles’s most popular and prestigious concert halls, uniting historical heritage with contemporary art. The theater continues to impress visitors with its elegance and functionality, remaining a hub for music and theater that blends past and present in the heart of the city.
