Venerable Venues: The Wiltern

This past weekend I went to the Drake concert at The Staples Center. Whilst rapping along to Hotline Bling, I had the idea to do a series featuring architecturally significant concert venues. When brainstorming a list of potential places to feature, I immediately thought of The Wiltern.

My friend Danielle happens to work at The Wiltern and graciously offered to tour me through the building. I have been to a few shows there and was always too rushed (or too inebriated) to take the time to look at the building. Built in 1931, The Wiltern was designed by Stiles Clements, the same architect who designed The Adamson House, in the Art Deco style. The theater is technically part of the Pellissier Building complex. Built by the Pellissier family, the Pellissier building includes the high-rise tower that sits above the theater. The entire building is covered in aqua blue terra-cotta tiles that mimic the appearance of patinated bronze. Just below are the shining neon signs at the entrance to the theater, which signify the separation of the office tower from the entertainment venue.

The marquee and terrazzo floors at the entrance are a subtle introduction to the bold interior of the building. Immense amounts of metalwork adorn the walls and murals cover the ceilings creating a jewel box effect that many concert venues don't have. The large rotunda above the central lobby features a mural by Anthony Heinsbergen. The pastel hues remind me of the maroulage affixed paintings in The Chrysler Building that epitomize the Deco era.

The lighting in the entry casts a murky glow that draws you further into the building. The fixtures showcase the 1930s metalwork and are an understated and elegant part of the space's design. Stiles Clement's masterful control of light is on display in the entry rooms and perfectly extends into the main theater.

The Wiltern's grand theater is the perfect size. Not too big, not too small: the kind of venue where you feel close to the band without it feeling like no one showed up to the show. The details of the lobby extend into the theater and could make any dismal performance look a thousand times better. The Deco detailing is immense with ornate plasterwork and a ceiling that features artistic representations of American skyscrapers. Lets just say that if The Wiltern is good enough for Adele then it should be good enough for any of us.

View of Stage from Upper Deck, courtesy of Live Nation / The Wiltern Theater

View of Theater from Upper Deck, courtesy of Live Nation / The Wiltern Theater

View of Ceiling from the Stage, courtesy of Live Nation / The Wiltern Theater

Head over to the theater's website to check out their upcoming shows and events. I promise the music and the building are worth it.

Cheers,

Hugh