At 111 S Grand Ave in downtown Los Angeles, Walt Disney Concert Hall is Frank Gehry’s stainless-steel concert venue and home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic and Los Angeles Master Chorale. Its curved exterior shifts in appearance as you walk around it; outside stairways lead to a third-level garden with city views and the rose-shaped Lillian Disney Fountain. Inside, Douglas fir and oak surfaces surround an auditorium known for its acoustics. You can explore on a tour or book a performance, with classical, jazz, pop and other music on the program.
A concert hall shaped by Frank Gehry
Walt Disney Concert Hall opened in 2003 at 111 S Grand Ave in downtown Los Angeles. Architect Frank Gehry designed its sweeping stainless-steel forms, which have been compared to sails. The panels catch and reflect light, so the building’s appearance changes as you move around it.
The hall is part of the Los Angeles Music Center and is home to the Los Angeles Philharmonic and Los Angeles Master Chorale. It was created as a performance venue, but its exterior and public areas also make it a destination for visitors interested in architecture.
Walk the exterior and visit the garden
A circuit around the building reveals more than its street-facing façade. Outdoor stairways climb alongside the steel curves, offering changing views of the structure. The third-level garden provides a place to pause above the surrounding streets and look across downtown.
In the garden, the Lillian Disney Fountain is made from crushed Delft porcelain and shaped like a rose. It was created in tribute to Lillian Disney, whose donation helped make the concert hall possible. The garden, fountain and outdoor routes are included on guided and self-guided tours when available.
Inside the auditorium
The main auditorium contrasts with the reflective metal exterior. Douglas fir and oak line its interior, with flowing surfaces around the performance space. The hall was designed to bring musicians and audience members into close visual and acoustic connection, and its sound is a central part of attending a performance.
The concert hall has an open platform stage and a large pipe organ with a curved, sculptural arrangement of pipes. Seating is arranged around the stage, giving the room a different feel from a conventional front-facing auditorium.
Tours and performances
Tours introduce the building’s architecture and interior, and can include its garden. The Music Center also offers self-guided audio tours on some days. Availability can change, so check the Los Angeles Philharmonic website before setting out. Some tours do not require advance booking, but the day’s arrangements should be confirmed online.
The concert program includes Los Angeles Philharmonic and Los Angeles Master Chorale performances, alongside other events and musical styles. A concert is the way to experience the auditorium in use; a tour or exterior walk is an option if you are visiting without a ticket.
FAQ
Can you visit Walt Disney Concert Hall without a concert ticket?
You can explore the exterior, and tours are available when scheduled. Check the Los Angeles Philharmonic website for tour availability on your date.
How long should you spend at Walt Disney Concert Hall?
Allow about 30 to 60 minutes for a visit focused on the building and garden. A performance takes longer.
What can you see on a tour?
Tours can cover the building’s interior, different levels and the third-level garden, including the Lillian Disney Fountain.
Who performs at Walt Disney Concert Hall?
The venue is home to the Los Angeles Philharmonic and Los Angeles Master Chorale, and it also hosts other musical performances.
