The Wiltern Center complex, a green-tiled tower at Wilshire Boulevard and Western Avenue, first opened in 1931 as one of the finest examples of Art Deco architecture in the country. It was nearly demolished in 1979, but thanks to the efforts of a group of preservationists, the building was saved.
The center comprises both the Pellissier Building and the Wiltern Theatre, stretching twelve stories above Koreatown. To this day, the theater continues to host some of the best live shows in L.A., from indie bands to major touring acts.
Here’s a closer look.
From movie palace to the brink of demolition
Stiles O. Clements designed the tower itself, while renowned theater architect G. Albert Lansburgh designed the theater inside. According to the National Register nomination, it was the only Art Deco theater he ever designed.
The green tiled tower was sits diagonally above the famous marquee entrance on what was once one of the busiest intersections in Los Angeles. According to Cinema Treasures, it was initially operated by Warner Bros., but quickly closed in 1933. The following year, it reopened under independent management with the name “Wil-Tern” taken from the street names Wiltern Boulevard and Western Avenue.
In 1956, Franklin Life Insurance bought the building and screened kung-fu movies primarily, although the theater declined and eventually closed in 1979, the same year it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Just two months after the listing, Franklin Life applied to demolish it.
That’s when a group of local preservationists and the Los Angeles Conservancy began a fierce fight to protect the building, ultimately saving it in a dramatic eleventh-hour victory.
Developer Wayne Ratkovich bought the property in 1981 and began a four-year restoration, recreating and refurbishing major elements including an ornate ceiling sunburst, murals, and plasterwork. The building finally reopened in 1985, thus beginning the theater’s rebound as one of the city’s most esteemed live event venues.
The Wiltern today
These days, the Wiltern Theatre is run by Live Nation. The room can hold a standing crowd of about 2,300 or a seated setup of 1,850, maintaining an intimate environment where crowds can enjoy world-class performances in the classic Art Deco setting.
Over the years, the venue has hosted some of the world’s biggest names, including The Rolling Stones, Madonna, Elton John, and Lady Gaga.
Upcoming shows include The Offspring, Chief Keef, Marilyn Manson, Bad Gyal, Gnarls Barkley, Queens of the Stone Age’s Joshua Homme, and John Mulaney.
📍 Location: 3790 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90010
🌐 Website: wiltern.com
