Spreckels Theater, Historic theatre in downtown San Diego, United States
Spreckels Theater is a theatre in downtown San Diego that takes up an entire city block near the center of town. The auditorium has three seating levels: orchestra, mezzanine, and a second balcony.
The theatre was commissioned in 1912 by sugar magnate John D. Spreckels and designed by architect Harrison Albright. It opened as a modern playhouse and has been in continuous use ever since, making it one of the oldest operating theatres in San Diego.
A large mural above the stage shows Neptune surrounded by angels and draws the eye as soon as you enter the hall. The two balconies are decorated with Baroque details that give the interior a sense of ceremony.
The theatre sits in the heart of downtown San Diego and is easy to reach from most parts of the city. Arriving a little early gives you time to find your way around the building before the show starts.
The ceiling of the auditorium is held up by massive steel trusses, so there is not a single supporting column anywhere in the seating area. This means that no seat in the house has an obstructed view, which was a rare feat when the building was constructed.
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