Behold the Shrine Auditorium a majestic structure standing proudly before you. Its Moorish Revival architecture is breathtaking. A gigantic double-domed Middle Eastern mosque it seems. This isn’t just any building. It’s a piece of Los Angeles history.
Opened in 1926 the Shrine Auditorium was initially the headquarters of the Al Malaikah Temple a division of the Shriners. Locals knew it as the Shrine Civic Auditorium. Imagine the excitement at its opening. It seated a whopping 6442 people. Almost a century later it’s still one of the largest indoor theaters in the United States. It can still hold around 6300.
The architectural brilliance is a collaborative effort. G Albert Lansburgh designed the interior. John C Austin oversaw the building and engineering. Abram M Edelman assisted. Austin’s name appears on many building plans but Lansburgh’s contribution is unmistakable in the opulent interior.
The original complex was an L shape. There was a theater pavilion and service wing. The pavilion held a two-level banqueting hall. Below was an exhibition hall. The service wing housed boiler rooms kitchens and even an apartment for the caretaker.
Today the Shrine Auditorium is far more extensive. Its parking lot covers what was once open space. The entire complex is rectangular covering nearly three acres.
The theater’s proscenium arch is incredibly wide. It’s as wide as New York’s Radio City Music Hall. However the Shrine’s stage is even more impressive. At 192 feet wide and 72 feet deep it’s bigger than Radio City’s. The Shrine also boasts more seating.
The Shrine’s enormous hall was initially designed as an expo hall. It was meant for carnivals fairs exhibits and large dances. The so-called elephant doors allowed circus acts including elephants to move directly from the hall onto the stage.
The auditorium’s balcony has more seats than the orchestra level. This steel truss system supporting it was the largest of its kind when constructed. The main roof trusses are incredibly long. They sit on rollers to compensate for temperature changes. A clever feature that has protected the building from earthquakes.
Inside a playful circus tent ceiling is a masterpiece. It’s painted plaster not actual drapery. The massive electric chandelier is stunning. It weighed five tons and was one of the largest ever created. It originally had over 500 light bulbs.
The Shrine Auditorium has played host to countless events. It was home to the Academy Awards for many years. Its facilities are perfect for large-scale telecasts. The building has also hosted countless other award shows. It is also famous for its appearance in movies. Remember King Kong? It starred here.
In 1984 Michael Jackson suffered a freak accident during a Pepsi commercial shoot. Pyrotechnics caused his hair to catch fire. He received second-degree burns.
In 1993 a major renovation transformed the Shrine. The Royal St vestibule was enclosed. New air conditioning and roofing were added. The exterior was repainted.
In 1997 the auditorium’s magnificent Müller organ was restored. This 4-manual 67-rank organ with over 4600 pipes is one of the largest pipe organs ever built. It is still played today during special occasions.
The Shrine Auditorium continues to be a landmark venue. It is a testament to architectural innovation and enduring cultural significance. A true icon of Los Angeles.