Santa Monica Civic Auditorium
Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, Convention center and movie theater in Santa Monica, US.
Description
The Santa Monica Civic Auditorium is a convention center and movie theater in Santa Monica, California, spanning more than a thousand square meters with a main hall whose floor adjusts hydraulically. The facility includes a glass curtain wall beneath a cantilevered canopy supported by curved concrete columns.
History
Welton Becket designed the structure in 1958 with an innovative reinforced concrete roof. Between 1961 and 1968, the annual Academy Awards ceremony took place here before moving to other venues.
Culture
The architect conceived the venue with parabolic concrete pylons that still define its appearance today. The building continues to carry the signature of the 1950s, when large public structures were often shaped with geometric lines and wide canopies.
Practical
The building once seated three thousand people for concerts and gatherings, but operations have been suspended since 2013 due to funding shortages. Visitors interested in the exterior architecture can view the site from public pathways at any time.
Did you know?
George Carlin recorded his album Class Clown here in 1972, capturing a live performance that later became one of his most recognized works. The land beneath the auditorium once formed part of Belmar, the first African American neighborhood in Santa Monica.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Santa Monica).
Santa Monica Pier
887 m
Muscle Beach
556 m
Pacific Park
838 m
Third Street Promenade
987 m
Santa Monica State Beach
1.4 km
Casa del Mar hotel
316 m
Santa Monica Pier Aquarium
642 m
Santa Monica Looff Hippodrome
606 m
Tongva Park
443 m
McClure Tunnel
661 m
Santa Monica West Coaster
825 m
Edgemar
720 m
Horatio West Court
675 m
Santa Monica Camera Obscura
843 m
Sovereign Hotel
1.7 km
Charmont Apartments
1.6 km
Santa Monica
1.4 km
Santa Monica Playhouse
1.4 km
Cradle
762 m
Bay Street Beach Historic District
390 m
Circle Bar
1.4 km
The Georgian Hotel
939 m
AMC Santa Monica 7
1.2 km
Ballerina Clown
1.7 km
Pacific Wheel
820 m
The Eli and Edythe Broad Stage
1.5 km
Ocean Park Beach
975 m
Santa Monica Public Library
1.1 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes