As the holidays approach, I think about how much I will cherish this time with my family and friends. Going to parties. Cooking festive food. Planning special outings. I particularly like to set aside time to take in a show, and our entertainment-centric city has an abundance of incredible shows and architecturally significant theatres to choose from.
The Hollywood Pantages Theatre is one such iconic landmark that never ceases to amaze each and every guest. Designed by architect B. Marcus Priteca and built by Alexander Pantages in 1930, the Hollywood Pantages was the first Art Deco theatre in the United States.
At 1.25 million cost, no expense was spared to create the opulent space. Chevrons, zigzags, starbursts, and geometric patterns--indicative of the Art Deco movement—were designed in bronze, gold and silver. Frosted glass chandeliers are hung from star-shaped domes in the fan-vaulted space of the grand lobby.
Even the women’s lounge is decorated in black patent leather walls, beveled mirrors, and a silver leaf ceiling. But the most dramatic part of the theatre is the auditorium’s interior ceiling of fretwork sunray, designed by interior designer and muralist Anthony B. Heinsbergen.
Once owned by Howard Hughes, the theatre hosted numerous events such as extravagant film premieres, celebrities accepting their Academy Award, and major Broadway musicals. Time took its toll on the space, and the theatre went under a major renovation from 1999-2000 by the Nederlander Organization, who currently operate the Pantages.
Cited from the hollywoodpantages.com website: Crews spent 162,960 hours, utilizing 84,027 square feet of gold, silver, copper and bronze colored leaf; 7,260 square yards of new carpeting; 2,000 square feet of marble; 1,843 gallons of paint; and 1,224 new light bulbs. And much more!
The Art Deco style remains to this day. When guests exit the Hollywood Pantages Theatre, they leave having experienced a unique part of LA history.
