Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center
Located at 3050 Los Angeles Avenue this Gothic structure has served the Simi Valley community since the mid 1920's when it was constructed as the Simi Community Methodist Episcopal Church. Since then it has also served as a mortuary, Jewish temple, a residence and even a temporary high school. It was the anchor building for an area that came to be known as "community center". In 1991, the City of Simi Valley acquired the property for reuse as a Cultural Arts Center. The project included both the conversion of the building for cultural and community uses and restoration of the original historical features of the building which was approved as Ventura County Historical Landmark No. 67 in July of 1981.
On November 3 and 4, 1995 it reopened as the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center with star of stage and screen Rita Moreno in concert. Since then, the Cultural Arts Center has been host to hundreds of performances - plays, musicals, concerts, art shows, films, weddings, receptions, business meetings, youth festivals, and much more. Patrons from near and far have come to enjoy the Center's quality entertainment at family-friendly prices.
The facility includes a 220 seat main theater, with newly renovated individual theater seating on the main floor as well as the balcony. The theater is fully equipped with state of the art sound and lighting equipment, making it a favorite venue to perform for many musical artists because of the excellent acoustics and warm atmosphere. The digital projector and full size movie screen provide the perfect setting for film festivals or special screenings. There are two art galleries showcasing both regional and local artists throughout the year, as well as a working fireplace and two fully equipped dressing rooms. The multipurpose community room with a seating capacity of 70-90 on the lower level is host to various business meetings, receptions, parties and more with a fully functioning catering kitchen adjoining.
With blockbuster productions such as "Fiddler on the Roof" and "Jesus Christ Superstar", to sold out concerts by Ronny and Classics and Ticket To Ride: A Beatles Tribute, to international virtuoso performances by Nabil Azzam, Sasha Toperich, Aloke Das Gupta and others, audiences continue to give the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center rave reviews, making it Ventura County's choice for affordable family entertainment!
