Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts

Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts is a major cultural institution located in Beverly Hills, California. The center, which opened in 2013, presents a diverse season of theater, dance, music, and family programming. It operates across two historically and architecturally significant buildings: the restored 1933 Beverly Hills Post Office and a contemporary new structure.

History

The center's origins are tied to the historic Beverly Hills Post Office, a Streamline Moderne building designed by architect Ralph C. Flewelling and completed in 1933 under the United States Department of the Treasury. After the United States Postal Service vacated the building, the City of Beverly Hills sought a new cultural use for the site. A campaign led by philanthropist Wallis Annenberg and community leaders secured the necessary funding to transform the property. The restored post office and a new contemporary theater pavilion, designed by Zoltan E. Pali of SPF:architects, opened to the public in October 2013 with a gala event featuring performances by artists like Joshua Bell and the American Ballet Theatre.

Architecture and facilities

The campus is a blend of historic preservation and modern design. The original Beverly Hills Post Office building houses the 150-seat Lovelace Studio Theater, named for donors Lynne and Norman Lear, and features restored WPA-era murals by artist Charles Kassler. The adjacent contemporary building, known as the Goldsmith Pavilion, contains the 500-seat Bram Goldsmith Theater, named for the late Los Angeles civic leader. This state-of-the-art proscenium theater was designed with acoustics by JaffeHolden and features a distinctive undulating exterior wall. The campus also includes the inviting Grand Hall for events and the Promenade Terrace.

Programming and artistic direction

The Wallis presents a wide-ranging season across multiple disciplines. Its programming has included productions from the Old Globe, visits from the Martha Graham Dance Company, concerts by the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, and new play commissions. The artistic direction has been led by executives including Artistic Director Paul Crewes and Managing Director Rachel Fine. The center frequently collaborates with notable artists and institutions such as Debbie Allen, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, and the Berlin Philharmonic's digital venue, Digital Concert Hall.

Governance and funding

The center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization governed by a board of directors. Its founding and ongoing operations are significantly supported by a $25 million naming gift from the Annenberg Foundation, chaired by Wallis Annenberg. Additional major support has come from donors like Bram Goldsmith, Eli and Edythe Broad, and the Rhimes Family Foundation founded by Shonda Rhimes. The organization partners with entities like the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors and the City of Beverly Hills.

Notable productions and events

The Wallis has staged numerous acclaimed productions and hosted prestigious events. Its stages have seen world premieres like Matthew Bourne's *The Red Shoes*, a production that later transferred to New York City. The center has presented tours of London hits such as *The Audience* starring Dame Helen Mirren and hosted concert performances by artists like Patti LuPone and Audra McDonald. Notable annual events include the **Beverly Hills Film Festival** gala and collaborations with the **AFI Fest** presented by the American Film Institute.

Education and community engagement

The Wallis's education department, named **The Wallis' GRoW @ The Wallis** after a grant from Gregory Annenberg Weingarten, serves thousands of students annually. Programs include in-school workshops, student matinees, and the **Designing Women** initiative for young female leaders. The center partners with organizations like Title I schools across Los Angeles Unified School District, Heart of Los Angeles (HOLA), and the Beverly Hills Unified School District. Its community series offers free and low-cost performances, including the **Wallis Family Circus** and outdoor concerts.