It's sometimes called the greeniest building in all of Los Angeles -- yep, even over the Easter Columbia building, which leans more turquoise -- and it definitely reigns as just about the Art-Deco-iest, which is saying something in our Art Deco-bedecked city.
We speak of the Wiltern Theatre, the landmark entertainment venue that has to be one of the easiest places in town to find. Not only is it the greeniest building around, but, yep, it has its location in its very name: Wilshire Boulevard and Western Avenue.
Been to a concert at the historic gem, which is connected to the Pellissier Building? Maybe twenty concerts? Get to know the 1931 building better, with a behind-the-scenes, fact-fun tour led by LA Historic Theatre Foundation members on Sunday, Aug. 17.
Tickets are $15.
The informative walk, which will contain four ongoing loops in various parts of the capacious venue, will cover the Wiltern's full story, including how it was nearly demolished at the end of 1970s.
On the agenda? Talks about its early vaudeville days, and the bridge that was built across the street to handle its splashy opening, and how the seats that were removed to create the tiered platforms are in storage. (Yep, current steward Live Nation did not throw those chairs out.)
Chairs, of course, still exist in the Wiltern's balcony, which is the perfect spot to admire the Art Deco "skyscrapers" on the theater's ceiling.
A peek at the dressing rooms, too, is on the tour.
So, the last time you went to a concert there: Did you rush through the lobby? Into a darkened theater? With nary a look-around?
Go deeper. And start here:
photo: LAHTF/Hunter Kerhart
