Raymond Theatre

The Raymond Theatre is an entertainment venue located at 129 North Raymond Avenue in Pasadena with seating for 1,996 people and a distinctive design featuring curved ramps that lead to the balcony level. Today the building serves as a mixed-use space combining residences and retail shops while preserving the original theater facade.

The theater opened in 1921 as Pasadena's largest cinema under the name Jensen's Raymond Theatre, offering six daily performances that mixed vaudeville acts with movie screenings. Over time the building transformed from a major entertainment destination into its current form as a residential and retail space.

The building went by the name Perkins Palace and became a popular stop for rock bands performing on its stage during the 1980s. These concerts made it a gathering place for music fans who came to experience live entertainment.

The building sits on North Raymond Avenue and is easy to spot thanks to its preserved original facade, though the interior now houses residential units and retail shops rather than serving as an active theater. Visitors interested in the architecture should plan to view it from the street and nearby areas.

The theater appeared as a filming location in movies including This is Spinal Tap and Pulp Fiction, with its stage and exterior featured in scenes from these films. This film history adds an unexpected layer to its story as an entertainment destination.

Location: Pasadena

Address: 129 North Raymond Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91103

Website: http://raymondtheatre.com

GPS coordinates: 34.14810,-118.14935

Latest update: December 12, 2025 17:48