Rialto Theatre

The Rialto Theatre is a movie theater with around 1,200 seats that combines Spanish Baroque architecture with Egyptian design elements. The building features a deep stage and balcony seating on both sides of the auditorium.

The theater was built in 1925 by architect Lewis A. Smith and first served as a silent film venue with a Wurlitzer organ. Weekend vaudeville performances were also held there in its early years.

The theater has appeared in several well-known films including La La Land, The Player, and Scream 2, as well as in Michael Jackson's Thriller music video. These appearances have woven it into film history and make it a special place for movie fans.

The building is located on Fair Oaks Avenue and currently serves as a campus for Mosaic Church. Visitors can view it from the outside and learn more about its status on the National Register of Historic Places.

In 1977 there was an attempt to convert the theater into a parking lot, but the plan failed and the building was saved. The final film shown there in 2007 was The Simpsons Movie.

Location: South Pasadena

Capacity: 1200

Address: 1023 Fair Oaks Avenue, South Pasadena, CA 91030

Website: http://friendsoftherialto.org

GPS coordinates: 34.11403,-118.15051

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:54