Dorothy Chandler Pavilion reflected in pools surrounding Power and Light Building across the str
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Dorothy Chandler Pavilion

4.7
·1k reviews·Los Angeles, United States

A historic LA landmark, home to LA Opera, boasting a breathtaking crystal-drenched auditorium and a legacy of hosting the Oscars.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Evenings during LA Opera season

Experience the magic of live opera.

CrowdHigh
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Dorothy Chandler Pavilion reflected in pools surrounding Power and Light Building across the str

Dorothy Chandler Pavilion

Best Time

Evenings during LA Opera season

Experience the magic of live opera.

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A historic LA landmark, home to LA Opera, boasting a breathtaking crystal-drenched auditorium and a legacy of hosting the Oscars.

4.7
(1k reviews)

"A stunning venue with exceptional quality performances and renowned acoustics."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Book Tickets Early!

Secure your seats for LA Opera or ballet performances well in advance.

🚗 Allow Ample Parking Time

Underground parking can be slow to exit. Be patient!

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.7 · 1,023 reviews

Type

Performing Arts Theater

♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Grand Auditorium

The Grand Auditorium

Main Hall

Experience the breathtaking 5-story, crystal-drenched auditorium, a true architectural marvel.

TikTok
LA Opera Performances

LA Opera Performances

Main Stage

Witness world-class opera productions with powerful, unamplified vocals that resonate through the historic venue.

TikTok+1
LA County Holiday Celebration

LA County Holiday Celebration

Main Stage

Catch this beloved, free annual holiday tradition featuring diverse local performers.

TikTok+1
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Planning Your Visit

Book Ahead for Popular Shows

Securing tickets for LA Opera or ballet performances at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion well in advance is crucial, especially for popular shows. Many visitors recommend booking early to ensure good seats and avoid disappointment. TikTok+1

Allow Extra Time for Parking & Entry

The Dorothy Chandler Pavilion is part of The Music Center, and parking can be a significant undertaking. Expect to park several levels underground, and factor in extra time for exiting after a show, as it can take a while. Reddit

Best Times

When
Evenings during LA Opera season
Why
Experience the magic of live opera.
Crowd
High
When
December for Holiday Celebration
Why
Festive and free community event.
Crowd
High
When
Weekday afternoons (check schedule)
Why
Potentially fewer crowds for tours or rehearsals.
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🎭 This isn’t just opera. This is Rigoletto. One of the most powerful operas ever written, no microphones, no autotune, just pure, spine tingling vocals that echo through one of LA’s most legendary venues: the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. Step backstage with us for an exclusive look at the drama, the costumes, the magic. From the lighting design to the haunting melodies, this is where old Hollywood e...
@hiddengemslosangeles
295 likes • 9.8K views

🎯 Book Tickets Early!

Secure your seats for LA Opera or ballet performances well in advance. TikTok+1

🚗 Allow Ample Parking Time

Underground parking can be slow to exit. Be patient! Reddit

Stepping into the grand mid-century glow of the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion felt like slipping into the heartbeat of Los Angeles itself — but it was this cast and crew who truly lit the place on fire. 🎭🔥 LA Opera’s La Bohème is pure magic, brought to life by an absolutely stacked company: ✨ Janai Brugger as Mimì ( @ nainai0383 )
✨ Oreste Cosimo as Rodolfo ( @oreste_cosimo )
✨ Gihoon Kim as Marcello ...
@la_history_girl
122 likes • 1.2K views
🌟🎤 The Emmy® Award-winning L.A. County Holiday Celebration is back for its 66th year!🎉✨Join us at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion on Wednesday, December 24th for L.A.’s most beloved holiday tradition: a FREE, three-hour spectacular filled with joyful performances from more than 20 local groups! Can’t make it in person? Watch the magic live on @pbssocal! 📺 From vibrant rhythms to soaring vocals, this...
@musiccenterla
11 likes • 337 views

🧐 Arrive Early for Lectures

Attend informative pre-show lectures for deeper insights. Reddit

⬆️ Balcony Seating Tip

For balcony seats, aim for the first row for unobstructed views. Reddit

Angelina Jolie attends the premiere of "Fedora"on this date September 4, 1997 at the Dorothy Changler Pavilion in Los Angeles, California. Follow @angelinaculture #angelinajolie #foryou #fyp #onthisdate #september #1997 #losangeles #la #california #fedora
@angelinaculture
680 likes • 11.1K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book Tickets Early!

Secure your seats for LA Opera or ballet performances well in advance. TikTok+1

🚗 Allow Ample Parking Time

Underground parking can be slow to exit. Be patient! Reddit

🧐 Arrive Early for Lectures

Attend informative pre-show lectures for deeper insights. Reddit

⬆️ Balcony Seating Tip

For balcony seats, aim for the first row for unobstructed views. Reddit

🎶 Enjoy the Acoustics

Experience the venue's renowned sound quality during performances. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion's stunning architecture and its role as a premier venue for world-class opera and ballet. The acoustics and historical significance are frequently highlighted as major draws. However, some guests find the seating restrictive and the parking and exit process can be time-consuming.

"A stunning venue. Exceptional quality LA Opera and ballet. Be sure to valet park and come an hour early to attend an informative lecture from Conlon this last season of his exceptional skill these last few decades"

Susan Walcott

"Attended an Opera here with a good friend
Seats were comfortable, but a view of the stage could be challenging. Staggered seating would be better.
Having subtitles was a nice touch.
Acoustics and lighting good.
Parking is surprisingly affordable, but as you end up 8 floors underground, it can take a long time to escape at the end of the night
Be patient !"

Barry Sullivan

"It was a beautiful old building., I was excited to see the show! I hadn't seen a play in years however, my expectations proved too lofty. Beginning with the seats , that I felt were too constraining , very restrictive. There was little room for your legs to move. I was started up in the balcony, so maybe the seats below have more room.? Certainly, if you're going to be on the balcony, get the first row so no one's in front of you and then you'll have no trouble seeing the stage. Unfortunately, it was not going to be my lucky day . My view to the stage was obstructed and limited due to the two individuals sitting in the two separate rows in front of me. They seemed to be extra tall maybe? Their respective heads were right in my view point, blocking my access to see 3/4 of the stage. It was very frustrating. Then just for good mesure...A group of 4 kids sitting behind us kept kicking the backs of our sits, despite my sisters polite requests for them to stop . I cannot say I had a positive experience here... thank goodness for the company I was with, we had a wonderful evening in Los Angeles in spite of our theater experience."

Bonnie Trujillo

What People Like

Stunning architecture
Exceptional acoustics
World-class opera/ballet

What People Dislike

Restrictive seating
Slow parking exit
Obstructed views (balcony)

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Dorothy Chandler Pavilion is located at 135 N Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012, as part of The Music Center. It's accessible by car, with several parking options nearby. Public transportation is also a viable option, with numerous bus lines serving the downtown LA area. TikTok

The Music Center offers underground parking garages. While convenient, be prepared for potentially long waits to exit after a performance. Valet parking is also available. Reddit

Yes, the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion is well-served by public transportation. Several Metro bus lines stop near The Music Center, making it an accessible option for visitors. TikTok

Yes, drop-off is possible at the main entrance on Grand Avenue. This is a good option if you have mobility concerns or are being picked up after the show. TikTok

To avoid traffic, consider attending weekday matinee performances or using public transportation. If driving, aim to arrive at least an hour before showtime to account for potential delays and parking. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Tickets for LA Opera and other performances can be purchased directly through The Music Center's website, the LA Opera website, or at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion box office. For special events like the Holiday Celebration, check their respective websites for ticketing information. TikTok+1

Promotional codes are sometimes available for specific shows or events. For example, 'JENNIFER' was mentioned for 50% off tickets to Complexions Contemporary Ballet. Keep an eye on social media and official websites for deals. TikTok

The box office hours can vary depending on performance schedules. It's best to check The Music Center's official website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information on box office hours. TikTok

For popular LA Opera performances, it's highly recommended to purchase tickets in advance. For free events like the Holiday Celebration, advance reservations may fill up, but a standby line is often available. TikTok

Latecomers are typically seated at an appropriate break in the performance to minimize disruption. It's always best to arrive on time to avoid missing any of the show. TikTok

🎫 🎭 Onsite Experience

Seating at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion can vary. While generally comfortable, some visitors find the seats restrictive, especially in the balcony. Staggered seating in some areas can improve views. Reddit

The Dorothy Chandler Pavilion is known for its excellent acoustics, particularly for opera and ballet performances. The design ensures that vocals and music carry beautifully throughout the auditorium. TikTokReddit

Yes, The Music Center often hosts informative pre-show lectures, especially for LA Opera productions. These offer valuable insights into the performance and its context. Reddit

While there isn't a strict dress code, many patrons dress in cocktail attire or business casual for opera and ballet. For more casual events, comfortable attire is acceptable. TikTok

Generally, photography and videography are prohibited during performances to avoid distracting performers and other audience members. Check with venue staff for specific policies regarding lobby areas or during non-performance times. TikTok

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

While there are concessions available for drinks and snacks, formal dining options inside the pavilion are limited. Many attendees opt for dinner at nearby restaurants before or after a show. Reddit

For pre-opera dining within walking distance, consider restaurants in the Bunker Hill area or Grand Avenue. Options range from casual to upscale, catering to various tastes. Reddit

Outside food and beverages are generally not permitted inside the auditorium. Concessions are available for purchase within the venue. TikTok

Concessions typically offer a selection of snacks, light bites, and beverages, including alcoholic and non-alcoholic options. TikTok

Many restaurants in downtown Los Angeles offer vegetarian and vegan options. It's advisable to check menus online or call ahead to confirm availability. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The grand auditorium with its crystal chandeliers is a prime spot for photos. The exterior architecture and the surrounding Music Center plaza also offer great photographic opportunities. TikTok

No, flash photography and recording during performances are strictly prohibited to ensure the best experience for performers and the audience. TikTok

Generally, photography is allowed in public areas around The Music Center. However, always be mindful of any temporary restrictions or private events. TikTok

A camera with good low-light capabilities is recommended for interior shots, especially of the auditorium. A wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the scale of the space. TikTok

The pavilion has a rich history, including hosting the Academy Awards. You can find historical markers and information that add context to your photos. TikTok+1