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Here are some often asked questions about the Shrine Auditorium
and Expo Center:
1. "Who Owns and Operates the Shrine?"
The Al Malaikah Center is part of the Shrine fraternity that was founded in 1872 as an adjunct of the Masonic fraternity,
the oldest and largest fraternal organization in the world. Shriners are a social fraternity committed to fraternal
fellowship and the organization sponsors the "World's Greatest Philanthropy" the Shriners Hospitals For
Children. Al Maliakah Shrine was established in 1888 and is one of 191 Shrine Centers with nearly 500,000 Shriners
nationwide.
2. "What Types of Events Are Held at the Shrine Auditorium and Expo Center?"
Over the years, the Shrine has been selected as the West Coast location for the American Music Awards, the Grammys,
the Soul Train Awards and the Annual Academy Awards and performances of the Kirov, Bolshoi and American Ballet
Theater, as well as the late Rudolph Nureyev. Appearances have been made by entertainment greats including, Frank
Sinatra, Bruce Springsteen, Liza Minnelli, the late Sammy Davis, Jr., Michael Jackson, Kenny Rogers, the Beach
Boys, Linda Ronstadt and Dionne Warwick, as well as Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Celine Dion and Hootie and the
Blowfish. The Shrine has accommodated numerous movie screenings, variety shows, religious gatherings of all faiths,
private shows, location shoots and various benefits and fundraisers.
The adjoining Expo Center has also been home to a variety of events such as: auto shows, antique shows; location
shoots; domestic trade shows; seminars, conventions; international trade exhibits; a variety of ethnic dances and
dinners; baseball card and comic book conventions and more. Nearly every entertainment company which performs upon
the Shrine stage uses the convenient and versatile space for rehearsals, dinners, set construction and scenery
storage. No matter how big or how small, the Shrine Auditorium and Expo Center can accommodate any number of events.
3. "When Was the Shrine Auditorium Built?"
The original Shrine Auditorium was completed in 1906. On January 11,1920, the Auditorium burned to the ground.
It took six years of planning and funding before the new Auditorium was completed. Once rebuilt on the same site
of the original Auditorium, the facility was unique among the theater structures because of its size, versatility
and unique interior and exterior design.
4. "What Services Docs the Facility Provide?"
The Shrine Auditorium management provides not only its facilities and equipment to clients, but expert service
as well, including an in-house graphics department and public relations services. On staff are accommodating and
knowledgeable personnel to assist in all aspects of event planning including technical, creative, catering, promotional
and security efforts.
5. "What Makes the Shrine Facility Unique?"
The Shrine Auditorium and Expo Center comprises the single largest theater in North America with some 6,300 seats
and an adjoining 54,000 square foot Exposition Center. The Shrine Expo Center is utilized by nearly every entertainment
company which performs upon the Shrine stage for rehearsals, dinners, adjunct shows, set construction and scenery
storage. And with a recent $15 million renovation, the facility now provides state-of-the-art technology and has
preserved the beauty of this historical theater.
Over 60 years old, the Auditorium is recognized as a historical monument. The Shrine is privately owned and operated
by the Al Maliakah Auditorium Company.
6. "Is the Shrine Located in Close Proximity to Other Major Sites in Los Angeles?"
The Shrine is conveniently located to major freeways and points of interest. It is just one mile south of downtown
Los Angeles, is located across the street from the University of Southern California, the Los Angeles Sports Arena,
the Los Angeles Coliseum, museums, shopping and theaters, and is within five miles of Dodger Stadium.
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