Sacramento Memorial Auditorium, Sacramento

Sacramento Memorial Auditorium, a landmark building in Sacramento, stands out for its impressive design and rich history. Built in 1926 and opened in early 1927, it has been a key location for cultural and political gatherings in the city. It was temporarily shut down in 1986 due to concerns about its ability to withstand earthquakes, but after renovations, it reopened in 1996 as part of the Sacramento Convention Center Complex.

The design of the auditorium was a collaborative effort involving James S. Dean, with Arthur Brown, Jr. as the consulting architect and G. Albert Lansburgh also contributing. The structure combines elements from Byzantine, Italian Romanesque, Lombardic, and Spanish styles. It is made primarily of brick, with details in stone, plaster, and terra cotta. The exterior is particularly notable for its use of five different colors of brick arranged in a Flemish bond pattern. A distinctive feature of the building is its front doors, originally without locks, intended as a tribute to those who died in the Spanish-American War and World War I.

The main auditorium can seat 3,849 people, and there are an additional 272 seats in the smaller Jean Runyon Little Theater. The venue hosts a variety of events, from concerts to official ceremonies. It has been the site of several important occasions, including the inaugural balls for California governors like James Rolph and Arnold Schwarzenegger.

The location also has a deep historical background, originally hosting the Mary J. Waters Grammar School, built in 1872 on land donated by early settler John A. Sutter.