Los Angeles Guide

The WILTERN THEATRE first opened its doors to movie crowds on October 7th, 1931 as the WARNER THEATRE, a part of the Warner Brothers chain of first-run theaters. It was later opened under the banners of several different theater chains, and was re-named THE WILTERN - after its location at the corner of Wilshire Boulevard and Western Avenue in the Mid-City neighborhood of Los Angeles. ... more »

The WILTERN THEATRE first opened its doors to movie crowds on October 7th, 1931 as the WARNER THEATRE, a part of the Warner Brothers chain of first-run theaters. It was later opened under the banners of several different theater chains, and was re-named THE WILTERN - after its location at the corner of Wilshire Boulevard and Western Avenue in the Mid-City neighborhood of Los Angeles.

Recognized by the City of Los Angeles as a Historic Cultural Monument and placed on the National Register of Historic Places, this Art Deco Landmark was saved from the wrecking ball by the concerted efforts of the fledgling Los Angeles Conservancy and was renovated and restored to its original splendor in 1985 by the Ratkovich Company, opening under the direction of Bill Graham Presents with performances by the ALVIN AILEY DANCE THEATER.

Following a legendary history of performances and events, a $1.5 million facelift led to the Grand Re-Opening on October 15, 2002. Formerly an all-seated venue, the theatre had its 1,200-orchestra level seats removed and now features a five-tiered floor that rises upward from the stage, thereby accommodating every type of audience, from a standing-room-only configuration to banquet-style seated events. The balcony still offers a thousand permanent seats, and the flexible new arrangement allows for seats to be brought in to the floor section downstairs for more intimate performances. The venue's new capacity is roughly 2,300, depending on how the main floor level is arranged. In October 2003, The Wiltern and LG Electronics, a leading global consumer electronics company, celebrated the renaming of the theater. Currently known as The Wiltern LG, this venue sponsorship will offer concert-goers the opportunity to become acquainted with LG Electronics' line of well-designed, groundbreaking digital products. Formerly a great place to catch more sedate acts, the Wiltern's new design makes it one of “LA's coolest venues to check out performers of any type of music” says AOL’s City Guide. Join us for love, laughter and music!
---www.thewiltern.com « hide