The Wiltern

History
The Wiltern is a one-of-a-kind facility, widely recognized at once as a world-class live entertainment venue, a major Los Angeles landmark and a prime example of legendary Art Deco architecture.

The Wiltern was originally conceived in 1929 by Henry de Roulet, a successful entrepreneur and real estate developer who saw great potential in a combined retail and entertainment complex located in the then-quiet city of Los Angeles. The dramatic, 12-story office tower (originally known as the Pellissier Building) and adjoining retail shops and the theater were designed by some of the most- noted architects - both in the city and of their day.

The theater entrance was marked by a sheet metal and neon marquee, richly- decorated on the underside with a plaster relief sunburst. The patron entered the lobby foyer through carved, mahogany doors. Inside the theater, an intricate design using sweeping curves and large open spaces emerges. Richly textured decorative surfaces catch the eye and fire the imagination.

The Pellissier Building and the theater were constructed between 1929-31. Crowds jammed the streets on October 7, 1931 to watch celebrities arrive for the grand opening of the theater. The inaugural film was Alexander Hamilton, starring George Arliss.

Renting the tower offices were dentists and other professionals, and in the street- level spaces were a variety of retail businesses. Warner Brothers originally leased the theater as their Western Theater. It later was operated by 20th Century Fox, Pacific Theaters and other independent exhibitors, and was known variously as the Wil-Tern Theater and the Wiltern.

In early 1981, Ratkovich, Bowers & Perez, Inc. and Bronco, Ltd., developers who had already successfully renovated other historic structures in downtown Los Angeles, purchased the building for $6.3 million. RBP set about renovating the existing facility and developing a mixed-use concept for the remainder of the site.

The green terra-cotta exterior was hand cleaned and repaired. In the theater interior, decorative elements located at eye level and those that are focal points in the foyer, lobby rotunda and auditorium were cleaned and restored. All of the finishes were cleaned, repaired and renovated as their condition and location dictated and allowed. Conducting the restoration of the famous original Heinsbergen murals was A.T. Heinsbergen & Company, under the supervision of Anthony T. Heinsbergen, son of the late designer.

In conjunction with the painstaking restoration, improvements were made and modern amenities were added to the facility. The $4.8 million theater renovation was completed in May 1985.

After nearly two decades of hosting performances and events, a $2 million “face-lift” led to The Wiltern’s Grand Re-Opening on October 15, 2002, featuring a rousing performance by the rock legend Bob Dylan. Formerly an all-seated venue, the theatre has had its 1,200-orchestra level seats removed and now features a five-tiered floor that accommodates a standing-room or a fully-seated configuration. The balcony offers a thousand permanent seats, and this flexible new arrangement allows for seats to be brought in for more intimate performances. The Wiltern's new design makes it one of AoLa's coolest venues to check out performers of any type of music” says AoLas City Guide.