Hollywood Bowl Museum

2301 N Highland Ave.
Tel (323) 850-2058.
www.hollywoodbowl.com

Situated in a natural amphitheater, once revered by the Cahuenga Pass Gabrielino Indians, the Bowl is now sacred to Angelenos. Since 1922 it has been the summer home of the LA Philharmonic. Even though the acoustics are not perfect, the atmosphere cannot be beaten. Thousands gather on warm evenings to picnic – often in high style – under the stars and listen to the orchestra. There are 13 picnic areas on the 60-acre (24-ha) site. Jazz, country, folk, and pop concerts are also performed during the season.

The most popular events at the Bowl are the concert with fireworks on the Fourth of July, the Easter Sunrise Service, and a Tchaikovsky Spectacular with cannons, fireworks, and a military band.

Much altered over the years, the shell-shaped stage was originally designed in 1929 by Lloyd Wright, son of architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Rumor has it that the materials for the building were taken from the set of Douglas Fairbanks, Sr.’s movie Robin Hood (1922).

There is seating for 18,000 people at the Bowl, including the privately owned and much sought-after boxes at the front. The Edmund D. Edelman Hollywood Bowl Museum explores the rich history of the Bowl, through videos, old programs and posters, and memorabilia of the artists who have come here, from violinist Jascha Heifetz to The Beatles. Film excerpts shot at the Bowl include William Wellman’s A Star is Born (1937).