The Pasadena Civic Center is a collection of historical buildings in Downtown Pasadena. Pasadena’s Central Library is the northern anchor of the Pasadena Civic Center. The Civic Auditorium is the southern anchor, and Pasadena City Hall is the center.
Pasadena’s Civic Center was established in 1931 and has since played an important role in Pasadena. The Pasadena Civic Center includes the Pasadena Convention Center, Pasadena City Hall, the Pasadena Central Library, the Central Library, and the Pasadena Civic Auditorium. Each of these buildings has its unique architecture and history.
The Pasadena Convention Center is a modern facility that hosts various events, from conventions and trade shows to weddings and banquets.
The Pasadena Civic Auditorium, a beautiful Art Deco building, has hosted numerous events, including the Emmy Awards and the Academy Awards.
Pasadena Civic Center Overview
Civic Center District
The Pasadena Civic Center is located in the heart of Pasadena and serves as a cultural, educational, and recreational hub.
The Pasadena Civic Center is easily accessible as it is bordered by major streets such as Colorado Boulevard, Los Robles Ave, Marengo, and Green Street. It is surrounded by retail shops, restaurants, parks, and residential neighborhoods.
Pasadena Civic Center Key Venues
Pasadena Civic Auditorium
The Civic Auditorium in Pasadena is a historic venue known for its elegant architecture and versatile event space. It was built in 1931 and has hosted several notable events, such as the Primetime Emmy Awards and the Pasadena Symphony Orchestra. The Civic Auditorium offers a seating capacity of up to 3,000 spectators and can be utilized for a wide range of events, from concerts and theater performances to conferences and galas. The building features a magnificent gold-leafed dome ceiling, a spacious lobby, and modern technical facilities.
Pasadena Convention Center
The Pasadena Convention Center is a large event venue located in Pasadena. It was originally built in 1931 as part of the Pasadena Civic Auditorium complex and underwent a major renovation in 2009 that added new meeting rooms, a ballroom, and a rooftop terrace.
The Convention Center features Art Deco architecture, with a distinctive facade and elegant interior details such as marble floors, ornate moldings, and intricate light fixtures. The additions complement the Convention Center’s original design, with a glass wall in the ballroom providing views of the San Gabriel Mountains and a rooftop terrace offering a sleek and contemporary space for outdoor events.
The Pasadena Convention Center hosts various events, including conventions, trade shows, concerts, and weddings. Notable events that have taken place at the center include the Emmy Awards, the Academy Awards Governor’s Ball, and a TED Conference.
| Space | Square Footage | Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Exhibit Hall | 60,000 | 5,000 |
| Meeting Rooms | 28,000 | 1,600 |
| Ballroom | 25,000 | 3,000 |
In addition to its versatile event spaces, the Pasadena Convention Center has several different sustainability initiatives, including energy-efficient lighting, advanced heating and cooling systems, and eco-friendly catering practices.
Pasadena Convention Center Ballroom
The Ballroom at the Pasadena Convention Center is an expansive and elegant space, perfect for grand receptions, awards ceremonies, and large banquets. Measuring 25,000 square feet, the ballroom can hold up to 3,000 guests and features a stunning glass wall that provides ample natural light.
Pasadena’s Convention Center Ballroom can be divided into smaller sections to accommodate multiple events or breakout sessions. There is also an area located just outside the ballroom, which is an ideal space for registration and networking. The ballroom has high-quality audiovisual equipment and support, providing a seamless event experience for both planners and attendees.
Pasadena City Hall
Pasadena City Hall has been a popular location for filmmakers for many years. Pasadena City Hall has been featured in a number of movies and TV shows, including “A Walk in the Clouds,” “Rumor Has It,” “Mission: Impossible,” “The Great Dictator,” “Parks and Recreation,” “The Big Bang Theory,” and “Jericho.” City Hall’s dome can even be seen in the opening shots of “The Amazing Race 21” premiere.
Pasadena City Hall is a unique example of Spanish Colonial Revival architecture. Designed by Bakewell and Brown and constructed in 1927, the building features ornate ceilings, murals, and elegant stairways that will impress visitors. Pasadena City Hall’s courtyard is a popular spot for weddings and photoshoots.
Historical and Cultural Significance
The Pasadena Civic Center has held both historical and cultural events.
Film
The Pasadena Civic Center has attracted many film productions and has thus become an iconic venue within the entertainment industry. It regularly hosts award ceremonies associated with television and film, such as the Emmy Awards, Daytime Emmy Awards, NAACP Image Awards, and America’s Got Talent.
In addition to these award ceremonies, the Pasadena Civic Center has also served as a film location for various movies, boosting its significance in the industry. Its unique architectural features and historic charm make it an appealing backdrop for filmmakers and their productions.
The Pasadena Civic Center’s historical and cultural significance within the film industry is evident through its hosting of various prestigious events and its frequent use as a filming location.
Things to do near Pasadena Civic Center
Old Pasadena
Old Pasadena (Downtown Pasadena) is a historic shopping and dining area in the heart of Pasadena. This historic part of Pasadena features a combination of brick buildings, unique architecture, and modern amenities. Visitors can stroll along Downtown Pasadena’s pedestrian-friendly streets and historic alleys while exploring unique boutiques and restaurants.
Pasadena has many Halloween events for families and children. Children can trick-or-treat in Downtown Pasadena (Colorado Blvd), carve pumpkins at One Colorado, and watch Halloween movies in the One Colorado Courtyard.
Old Pasadena is decorated with holiday wreaths, candy canes, and lights during Christmas. South Lake Ave hosts a Christmas event with Carrolers and a horse-drawn carriage every year. There is also a Christmas tree lighting and 12 days of Christmas events at One Colorado.
Pasadena Playhouse
The Pasadena Playhouse is an iconic performing arts venue with a lot of history and cultural significance. The Pasadena Playhouse is one of California’s state theaters. It has produced several classic and original plays since it opened in 1917.
Pasadena Playhouse audiences can expect high-quality performances featuring talented casts and creative stagecraft.
Colorado Street Bridge
The historic Colorado Street Bridge, with its distinctive Beaux-Arts arches, is one of the most unique bridges in Southern California. The Colorado Bridge was the first land space connecting Pasadena to Los Angeles. The bridge offers a scenic view of the surrounding area and is a popular photoshoot destination.
