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Ahmanson Theatre: A Los Angeles Performing Arts Gem

Experience Broadway's best at the Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles, a historic performing arts venue in the heart of the city's cultural district.

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The Ahmanson Theatre, located in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles, is a premier venue for Broadway-caliber performances. As one of the core venues of the Music Center, it has a rich history of hosting diverse theatrical productions since 1967, offering an unforgettable cultural experience.

A brief summary to Ahmanson Theatre

Local tips

  • Check the Ahmanson Theatre's schedule online to plan your visit around a specific performance that interests you.
  • Consider purchasing tickets in advance, especially for popular shows, to secure the best seats and prices.
  • Arrive at least 30 minutes prior to curtain time to allow for parking, security checks, and finding your seat.
  • Take advantage of public transportation options like the Metro to avoid traffic and parking hassles.
  • Explore nearby cultural landmarks such as the Walt Disney Concert Hall and the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion to enhance your visit.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    The Ahmanson Theatre is accessible via multiple Metro lines. Take the B or D Lines to Civic Center/Grand Park Station or the A or E Lines to Grand Av Arts/Bunker Hill Station. From either station, it's a short walk to the theater at 135 N Grand Ave. A single Metro fare is $1.75, which includes two hours of free transfers. A TAP card is required to ride the Metro, and can be purchased at vending machines in the stations for $2.

  • Walking

    From the Walt Disney Concert Hall, walk south on Grand Avenue for about two blocks. The Ahmanson Theatre will be on your left, as part of the Music Center complex. The walk is generally flat and takes about 5-10 minutes.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Request a drop-off at 218 N Hope St, next to the Ahmanson Theatre. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in downtown Los Angeles. A short ride within downtown LA will typically cost between $8 and $15, depending on demand and distance.

  • Parking

    Self-parking is available at The Music Center Garage, accessible via the Grand Ave entrance. Parking costs $10, but rates may vary for matinee performances. Valet parking is also available at the Hope Street entrance for $23. Limited street parking may be available in the surrounding area.

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Discover more about Ahmanson Theatre

The Ahmanson Theatre, a cornerstone of the Los Angeles Music Center, has been captivating audiences since its opening in 1967. Named after Caroline Leonetti Ahmanson, it was built thanks to a donation from her husband, Howard F. Ahmanson Sr. The theater has a rich history, originally hosting the Los Angeles Civic Light Opera Association and showcasing the national cast production of 'Man of La Mancha' as its inaugural performance. Throughout its history, the Ahmanson has staged a wide variety of performances, including dramas, musicals, comedies, and revivals of classic stories. It has also been the home to several world premieres of plays by renowned playwrights such as Neil Simon. The theater notably hosted 'The Phantom of the Opera' from 1989 to 1993, featuring original Broadway and West End stars. A major renovation in 1994 enhanced the theater's acoustics, seating, and staging capabilities. The renovation also allowed for a flexible seating configuration, accommodating between 1,600 and 2,084 patrons. Today, the Ahmanson continues to attract millions of fans, boasting the largest theatrical season-ticket subscription base on the West Coast. The theater is easily accessible and surrounded by other cultural landmarks, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking the brilliance of the performing arts.

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