Think Outside the Box with These L.A. Venues

Choose from venues like a landmark cultural attraction, a world class state-of-the-art theatre, a real working ranch, historic movie studio, and a loft on the “coolest block in America.” Read on for more information about these unique L.A. venues.

LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes celebrates the past and inspires the future by sharing the untold stories about the history, cultures, values and traditions of Mexicans, Mexican Americans and all Latinos in the founding and continuing evolution of Southern California. Providing an experience unlike any other, LA Plaza's interactive exhibits and dynamic programs invite visitors to explore as well as contribute to the ongoing story of Latinos in Los Angeles and beyond. Located near the site where Los Angeles was founded in 1781, LA Plaza's 2.2-acre campus includes two historic and newly renovated buildings (the Vickrey-Brunswig Building and Plaza House) surrounded by 30,000 square feet of public garden. LA Plaza is an official project of Los Angeles County and a Smithsonian Affiliate.

No other venue in the world can claim to be the permanent home of a Cirque du Soleil® production as well as the site of the annual Academy Awards® ceremony. Since September 2011, the 180,000-square-foot, 3,400-seat Dolby® Theatre℠ has been the home of IRIS, A Journey through the World of Cinema™, the first permanent resident Cirque du Soleil show in Los Angeles. Every year, IRIS goes dark for several weeks to make way for the Oscars. The Dolby Theatre will also serve as an ongoing showcase for the latest innovations in Dolby’s audio and visual entertainment technology, including Dolby® Atmos™ and Dolby 3D.

Home to the Governors Ball, the exclusive gala that follows the Academy Awards presentation, the Ray Dolby Ballroom has been the backdrop for an array of Hollywood’s elite gatherings and special events. The elegant, art deco-inspired ballroom features over 25,000 square feet of indoor space and 10,000 square feet of outdoor pre-function space, state-of-the-art lighting and A/V, with panoramic views of Hollywood, LA, and the Pacific Ocean. Capacity is 2,400 Reception; 1,800 Seated; 1,200 Conference.

Founded in 1912, The Studios at Paramount offers ten special event locations, including corporate events, parties, award shows, movie premieres and receptions. In creating your event, Paramount staff utilizes many of the same resources used by its blockbuster productions, including staging, rentals or entertainment bookings. Almost any location on the lot is available for special events, including the famed New York Street set, which occupies five acres and has a capacity of 5000. The Blue Sky Tank, where Moses (played by Charlton Heston) parted the Red Sea in The Ten Commandments, can be booked with or without water and accommodates 3000 guests. The Paramount Theatre and other on-site venues provide an “A-list” showcase for presentations, films and videos.

In the 1920′s, the film industry came to Los Angeles to take advantage of the sunny weather and scenic locations, especially for Westerns. A piece of that Hollywood history is still standing and can be found at Sunset Ranch Hollywood, the only horse ranch in greater Los Angeles. Centrally located in the beautiful Hollywood Hills, just steps from Griffith Park, Sunset Ranch offers a variety of services and activities from guided trail rides, boarding, and lessons, to its famous Sunset Dinner Rides. Sunset Ranch Hollywood is equipped to accommodate nearly any sized event. Imagine an outdoor party with dancing, music, horse rides, breathtaking views of Los Angeles, all under the stars and the Hollywood sign. Sunset Ranch Hollywood is a rustic, Western-style venue that is the epitome of “Only in LA.”

In its first-ever “Style Bible,” GQ magazine dubbed Abbot Kinney in Venice the “Coolest Block in America.” Located in the heart of this vibrant neighborhood, SPACE Abbot Kinney is a modular and versatile private event venue situated on the penthouse level of an award-winning, architecturally significant building. SPACE has over 3,000 square feet of flexible space that accommodates up to 150 seated and 250 for cocktail parties. Features include state-of-the-art sound, video, data and a fully integrated lighting system.

The Autry National Center in Griffith Park is the perfect setting for a cocktail reception for 40 to 1,400, a stylish dinner for 400, or an outdoor festival for 4,000. Guests will enjoy a unique and enriching experience as they explore the myths and realities of the American West in an exclusive viewing of the permanent galleries and changing exhibitions. With its proximity to Downtown L.A. and Burbank Airport, the museum is the ideal location for business conferences, seminars, and corporate retreats. Meeting space is available in the Mary Pickford Education Center and the Wells Fargo Theater.

As true destination experts, L.A. Tourism offers award-winning experience, personalized service and seamless convenience. Want to learn more about Los Angeles or ready to plan your next event? Contact the L.A. Tourism Sales team to make your planning and decision-making easy, simple and stress-free. sales@latourism.org