Discover Pasadena's Ambassador Auditorium: History & Events - Now!

Can a single building encapsulate a city's cultural soul? The Ambassador Auditorium in Pasadena, California, stands as a resounding "yes," a testament to the enduring power of the performing arts.

Nestled on the historic campus of what was once Ambassador College, the Ambassador Auditorium is more than just a concert hall; it's a landmark, a memory, and a vibrant pulse point in the heart of Pasadena. Its story, stretching back to its grand opening on April 7, 1974, is a narrative of architectural ambition, artistic excellence, and the ebb and flow of community life. Designed by the architectural firm of Daniel, Mann, Johnson, and Mendenhall, the auditorium took 26 months to construct, emerging as the final and most elaborate component of a building program that began in 1964. From its inception, the auditorium was envisioned as a "premier cultural destination," a space to inspire and uplift through the transformative power of performance.

The auditorium's main hall, capable of accommodating 1,262 people, has been lauded as the "Carnegie Hall of the West" by appreciative concertgoers, a fitting title given its elegant design and acoustics. The venue has hosted an impressive array of world-class ensembles, including the orchestras of Vienna, Berlin, and Philadelphia, alongside legendary artists like Luciano Pavarotti and Plcido Domingo. Its stage has witnessed countless performances, each one adding a layer to the auditorium's rich history.

Today, the Ambassador Auditorium continues to serve as a venue for diverse performances. The Pasadena Symphony and POPS present their classical music series, bringing the joy of orchestral music to the community. The auditorium also welcomes performances that span various genres, providing a broad spectrum of entertainment for diverse audiences.

For those planning a visit, the details are readily available. Symphony Classics concerts take place at 131 South St. Performances are scheduled at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. on concert days. The venue is committed to accessibility, offering seating options for guests with disabilities, including wheelchair accessibility, though the symphony itself does not provide wheelchairs. Guests who require wheelchair seating are advised to select seats on the main floor, in the first row. The venue's stage section includes: AA, Section A, Section B, Section C, Section D, and the Balcony.

However, the auditorium's future is at a crossroads. Having been owned by a local church for the past two decades, the storied Ambassador Auditorium in Pasadena, which was long considered one of the region's top classical music venues, is for sale, the building is on the market, with an asking price of $45 million. The sale marks a significant chapter in the venue's history. Plans for the site's future include the intention of turning the vacant facilities into a church and school.

For those who appreciate architecture, music, and history, heres more in-depth information:

Attribute Details
Name Ambassador Auditorium
Location 131 South St, Pasadena, CA 91105, United States
Architectural Firm Daniel, Mann, Johnson, and Mendenhall
Date Opened April 7, 1974
Original Purpose To host church services and functions, also concerts
Current Use Concert Hall, Venue for Performances
Capacity 1,262 people
Notable Features Considered the "Carnegie Hall of the West", Excellent acoustics, Elegant design
Past Performers Orchestras of Vienna, Berlin, Philadelphia; Luciano Pavarotti, Plcido Domingo, Frank Sinatra, and many more
Recent History Owned by a local church for the last two decades, currently for sale
Website Reference City of Pasadena Website

From its inception in 1974, the Ambassador Auditorium has been a site for hosting multiple events.

The Ambassador Auditorium, with its history, legacy, and elegance, is still a place where people of different backgrounds and interests can connect and enjoy performances. The auditorium's story is a testament to the importance of arts in human life. The Ambassador Auditorium, a premier cultural destination, stands as a place for inspiration and uplifts people through the performing arts.

Ambassador Auditorium Pasadena A Historic Stage for the Arts
Ambassador Auditorium Pasadena A Historic Stage for the Arts
Event Spaces Ambassador Foundation of Pasadena
Event Spaces Ambassador Foundation of Pasadena
Ambassador Auditorium Pasadena Seating Chart Elcho Table
Ambassador Auditorium Pasadena Seating Chart Elcho Table

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