catalina island casino avalon movie theater history

Tours of the Catalina Casino are available daily unless a private event is being held. The Casino hosts most of Catalina’s major indoor events, including the annual New Year’s Eve Celebration, Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival, and Catalina Film Festival. It's one of the last of its kind in the world that's still in operation. The ballroom retains its original romantic style - a lavish medley of rose-hued walls, an arching, fifty-foot ceiling with five Tiffany-like chandeliers, an elevated stage, raised seating areas around the dance floor, and a vintage, full-service bar in the back.Īvalon Theatre is also an architectural masterpiece, with its soaring murals, domed ceiling, perfect acoustics, and the original pipe organ built by the Page Organ Company of Lima, Ohio.

The 20,000 square foot ballroom can accommodate up to 1,500 dancers and is the world’s largest circular ballroom without supporting pillars. The height of the building is equivalent to 12 stories, with Avalon Theatre on the main floor, and a ballroom and promenade on the upper floor. Restored to its original condition, the Art Deco and Mediterranean Revival building is a stunning reminder of Catalina’s glorious past. Spaulding and Walter Webber as the first circular building of its time. There has never been gambling at Catalina Casino.īuilt under the direction of William Wrigley, Jr., the iconic building was designed by Sumner A. It gets its name from the Italian language, where “casino” means a gathering place.

About Catalina Casinoĭominating the Avalon landscape from its regal perch on the edge of Avalon Bay, the Casino exemplifies the style and romance of Catalina Island.

For nearly a century, the Casino has been the venue of choice for great entertainers, Broadway productions, and special events.

The iconic Catalina Casino has been the focal point of Catalina Island entertainment and culture since it opened on May 29, 1929. Catalina Casino The symbol of Catalina history and romance

Catalina island casino avalon movie theater history