Ahmanson Theatre: A Los Angeles Performing Arts Gem

The Ahmanson Theatre stands as a beacon of cultural and artistic excellence in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles. As one of the core venues within the Los Angeles Music Center, the Ahmanson has been captivating audiences since its opening in 1967. Philanthropist Howard F. Ahmanson Sr., founder of H.F. Ahmanson & Co., underwrote the theater, which was named in honor of his second wife, Caroline Leonetti Ahmanson. The Ahmanson's architecture, originally designed by Welton Becket & Associates, features a modernist style. A major renovation in 1995, designed by Ellerbe Becket Architects, enhanced the theater's acoustics, improved sightlines, and allowed for flexible seating arrangements. The renovation also brought the mezzanine and balcony closer to the stage, reduced the auditorium's width, and lowered the ceiling. The theater can be quickly transformed from a 2,084-seat venue to a more intimate 1,600-seat setting. The main façade includes a glass skin that extends the full 73 feet of the five-level structure, offering patrons a view of the Mark Taper Forum's massive mural. Throughout its history, the Ahmanson has hosted a wide array of performances, including world premieres of Neil Simon plays and works by Wendy Wasserstein, August Wilson and Terrence McNally. It has also served as a co-producer for numerous Broadway productions. The Ahmanson was the home of the Los Angeles production of The Phantom of the Opera from 1989 to 1993. The theater boasts the largest theatrical season-ticket subscription base on the West Coast, offering a year-round season from early fall through late summer.