Walt Disney Concert Hall

Performing Arts

Conveniently located in downtown Los Angeles, Walt Disney Concert Hall is one of the most acoustically sophisticated concert halls in the world. Bordered by 1st and 2nd streets, Hope Street, and Grand Avenue, it serves as the home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic and Los Angeles Master Chorale.

The plan to build a world-class concert hall in the city was launched in 1987, when Lillian B. Disney, the widow of Walt Disney, donated $50 million to the Music Center. The County of Los Angeles provided the land for the concert hall site and funds to finance the hall's parking garage. Construction of the garage began in 1992 and was completed in 1996. The groundbreaking ceremony for the hall was held in 1999. Designed by Frank Gehry, the concert hall opened its doors on October 20, 2003.

Walt Disney Concert Hall is a synthesis of acoustical and architectural design. Its main entrance features sweeping expanses of glass, a grand stairway and oval courtyard, as well as several atria spaces. The walls and curved ceilings are constructed of Douglas fir in order to provide the warmest possible natural sound and acoustic intimacy. The acoustical design of the concert hall is well suited for in-house recordings and film scoring. The design was accomplished by Yasuhisa Toyota of Nagata Acoustics.

Surrounding the hall, there is an urban park for public gathering. It features expansive public gardens, colorful and ornamental landscaping, walkways, benches, and shade trees. The highlight of the garden is a fountain shaped like a rose, designed as a tribute to Lillian Disney.

With a seating capacity of 2,265, the hall encompasses two outdoor amphitheaters; Roy and Edna Disney/CalArts Theater, a 250-seat multi-use theater and art gallery; and a large concert organ, built by Glatter-Gotz Orgelbau. An atrium reception hall, pre-concert foyer, green room, founders room, terrace bar and a 2,200-car garage are the amenities provided. Also, it offers special suites for performers, and backstage facilities, which include a choral hall, a library and reading room; rehearsal studios, and dressing rooms.

Spread over a 3.6-acre site, Walt Disney Concert Hall is a feast for the eyes, ears, and spirits.