San Gabriel Mission Playhouse
Arthur Benton, of Mission Inn fame, designed the San Gabriel Mission Playhouse in San Gabriel in the Mission Revival style with Mexican and Native American influences. Dedicated on March 5, 1927, it was built by John McGroarty to house his epic Mission Play charting the establishment of California’s missions. The interior features a hand carved, muralled ceiling, original tapestries presented by the King of Spain, ornate chandeliers and a fully operational Wurlitzer Theatre Organ. After 6 years and 3,198 performances of McGroarty’s play, it was used as a movie theater. Since 1945, the Playhouse has been owned and operated by the City of San Gabriel as a performance venue. The Playhouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
San Gabriel, Los Angeles County
Images by Al Russell