As one of the prominent halls within the Los Angeles Music Center—one of the largest performing arts centers in the United States—the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion stands as a towering landmark of Los Angeles culture. Dedicated in September 1964 and designed by architect Welton Becket, this historic hall represents his total design philosophy, harmonizing construction, fixtures, and interior finishes into a coherent whole.
Named after Dorothy Buffum Chandler, who led a dedicated nine-year campaign to build a venue for performing arts, the Pavilion boasts rich décor, chandeliers, wide curving stairways, and 3,156 seats arranged across four distinct tiers. While the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra and Los Angeles Master Chorale eventually relocated to the adjacent Walt Disney Concert Hall, the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion remains a premier destination for world-class entertainment as the home of the Los Angeles Opera and Glorya Kaufman Presents Dance at the Music Center.
Movie enthusiasts will also recognize the venue for hosting the prestigious annual Academy Awards across multiple years from 1969 to 1999. Visitors attending a performance will experience an intimate auditorium known for its elegant design, rich history, and vibrant stage productions.
What to see at Dorothy Chandler Pavilion
- Home to the Los Angeles Opera and Glorya Kaufman Presents Dance at the Music Center
- Elegantly designed auditorium featuring chandeliers, wide curving stairways, and rich décor
- Historic host of the annual Academy Awards ceremonies between 1969 and 1999
- Masterpiece of total design created by architect Welton Becket
- Site of the free annual Christmas Eve Los Angeles County Holiday Celebration
Visiting tips
If you plan to attend the free Christmas Eve Holiday Celebration, arrive three hours early to receive a required colored wristband for admission.
How long: 2-3 hours · Best time: Performance times or Christmas Eve
How to get there & what’s nearby
Dorothy Chandler Pavilion is easy to reach on Los Angeles’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Griffith Observatory and Santa Monica Pier. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Los Angeles travel guide.
See the full Los Angeles travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.