Hollywood Bowl
An amphitheatre carved into a natural dell, set against the Hollywood Hills and the Hollywood Sign.
The Hollywood Bowl is an amphitheatre and public park in the Hollywood Hills of Los Angeles, California, owned by the County of Los Angeles. It is the summer home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the home of the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, hosting hundreds of musical events each year. The venue was named one of the ten best live music venues in the United States by Rolling Stone magazine in 2018 and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2023.
Quick Facts
- Location
- 2301 North Highland Avenue; Los Angeles, California
- Owner
- County of Los Angeles
- Operator
- County of Los Angeles; Los Angeles Philharmonic Association
- Capacity
- 17,500
- Opened
- July 11, 1922
- Renovated
- 2003–2004
Lore & Background
The site was chosen in 1919 by William Reed and his son H. Ellis Reed, who selected a natural theater known as Daisy Dell in Bolton Canyon for its natural acoustics and proximity to downtown Hollywood. The Community Park and Art Association, headed by F. W. Blanchard, began building the Bowl. One of the earliest performances was Hollywood High School's performance of Shakespeare's Twelfth Night. The Bowl officially opened on July 11, 1922, with little more than wooden platforms and canvas. The land was deeded to the County of Los Angeles in 1924. The Bowl began as a community space, with proceeds from early events financing construction of the stage and seating. Concert tickets were kept at 25 cents using the slogan 'popular prices will prevail,' coined by F.W. Blanchard.
Reader's Guide
The Hollywood Bowl is located on North Highland Avenue, north of Hollywood Boulevard and approximately 1 mile (1.6 km) from the Hollywood/Highland Metro Rail station, adjacent to U.S. Route 101. The 'bowl' refers to the shape of the concave meadow originally called Daisy Dell. The venue is the summer home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic and hosts hundreds of musical events each year. The current sound reinforcement system is a line-array configuration by L-Acoustics, maintained by Rat Sound Systems, the same company that has provided audio for the Coachella Festival since its inception. The 2004 shell incorporates the prominent front arch of the 1926 shell, the broad profile of the 1928 shell, and the unadorned white finish of the 1929 shell. The bowl received four new video screens and towers during the construction of the new shell.
Did You Know?
- The first appointed conductor of the Bowl ensemble was Emil Oberhoffer, who served for one year.
- Sculptor George Stanley, designer of the Oscar statuette, designed the Muse Fountain which has stood outside the Hollywood Bowl's main entrance since 1940.
- The 1927 Lloyd Wright shell had a pyramidal shape and design reminiscent of southwest Indigenous architecture, and its acoustics were generally regarded as the best of any shell in Bowl history.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Hollywood Bowl?
The Hollywood Bowl is a historic outdoor amphitheater located in Los Angeles, California, renowned for its unique hillside setting. It serves as a premier venue where Elton John has performed some of his most spectacular and emotionally resonant concerts over several decades.
Where exactly is this venue located?
Nestled in the Hollywood Hills of Los Angeles, California, the amphitheater offers a breathtaking backdrop for concerts. Its location provides an open-air experience where fans can enjoy music against the stunning sunset and night sky.
How does the atmosphere at the Hollywood Bowl differ from other arenas?
Unlike enclosed stadiums, this outdoor setting creates a unique environment where performances unfold under the stars with natural acoustics. The combination of the scenic hills and open sky makes each concert feel like a special event in rock history.
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