Ahmanson Theatre: A Los Angeles Performing Arts Gem

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Experience world-class theater at the Ahmanson, a cultural landmark in the heart of Los Angeles, hosting Broadway-caliber shows and unforgettable performances.

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Ahmanson Theatre

The Ahmanson Theatre, located in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles, is a renowned performing arts venue and one of the four main theaters comprising the Los Angeles Music Center. Known for its grand scale and diverse programming, the Ahmanson hosts a variety of pre-Broadway runs, Broadway shows, musicals, dramas, and classic revivals, making it a cultural cornerstone of the city.

A brief summary to Ahmanson Theatre

135 N Grand Ave, Los Angeles, Little Tokyo, California, 90012, US
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Local tips

Arrive at least 30 minutes before curtain time to allow for parking and finding your seats.
Consider taking public transportation to avoid traffic and parking fees.
Check the Ahmanson Theatre's website for the most up-to-date information on show schedules and special events.
Purchase tickets in advance online or at the box office for the best seats and prices.
Take advantage of nearby restaurants and bars in Downtown Los Angeles before or after the show.

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Getting There

Public Transport

For those arriving via public transport from Union Station, take the Metro B or D Line to Civic Center/Grand Park Station. From there, it's a short walk across the street, west of Grand Park, to the Ahmanson Theatre. A one-way fare is $1.75, which includes two hours of free transfers. A TAP card is required to ride the metro which costs $2.
Walking

From the Civic Center/Grand Park Station, the Ahmanson Theatre is a short walk. Head west, crossing Grand Park, and you'll find the Music Center complex where the Ahmanson Theatre is located. The walk is generally flat and takes about 5-10 minutes.
Taxi/Ride-Share

If arriving by taxi or ride-sharing service, the official pick-up and drop-off location is at 218 N Hope Street, adjacent to the Ahmanson Theatre. A taxi from Union Station to the Ahmanson Theatre typically costs between $7 and $9, while a ride-sharing service may vary. Expect higher fares during peak hours or events.
Driving

If driving, approach the Ahmanson Theatre at 135 N Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012. There are several parking options nearby, including the Music Center Garage. Self-parking at the Music Center Garage costs $10. Valet parking is available for $23. Parking rates are subject to change.

Discover more about Ahmanson Theatre

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.