Catalina Island Casino
by Joseph Hollingsworth
Title
Catalina Island Casino
Artist
Joseph Hollingsworth
Medium
Painting - Digital Painting
Description
The iconic Catalina Casino has been the focal point of Catalina Island entertainment and culture since it opened nearly on May 29, 1929. For nearly a century, the Casino has been the venue of choice for great entertainers, Broadway productions, and first-run motion pictures.
Dominating the Avalon landscape from its regal perch on the edge of Avalon Bay, the Casino exemplifies the style and romance of Catalina Island. It gets its name from the Italian language, where “casino” means a gathering place. There is no gambling at this facility.
Built under the direction of William Wrigley, Jr., the iconic building was designed by Sumner A. Spaulding and Walter Webber as the first circular building of its time. Restored to its original condition, the Art Deco and Mediterranean Revival building is a stunning reminder of Catalina’s glorious past.
The height of the building is equivalent to 11 stories, with Avalon Theatre on the main floor, and a ballroom and a promenade on the upper floor. The 20,000 square foot ballroom can accommodate up to 1,500 dancers and is the world’s largest circular ballroom without supporting pillars.
Completely restored a few years ago, 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.
Avalon Theatre is also a masterpiece of art, with perfect acoustics and the original pipe organ built by the Page Pipe Company of Lima, Ohio is still in operation. The theatre shows first-run movies nightly.
The Casino hosts most of Catalina’s major indoor events, including the annual New Year’s Eve Celebration, Catalina Island Jazz Festival, and Catalina Film Festival. Tours of the Catalina Casino are available daily unless a private event is being held.
Uploaded
May 13th, 2019
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