The Shrine Auditorium and its adjoining Shrine Expo Center were designed by architects John C. Austin and Abram M. Edelman with interiors by noted theatre architect G. Albert Lansburgh in a Moorish Revival style.

When it opened in 1926 with over 6,700 seats, the Shrine was the largest theatre in the United States. It is still the largest proscenium arch stage in North America.

Now seating just over 6,300, the Shrine remains one of the largest venues in the country and is the largest theatre in Los Angeles.

The Shrine Auditorium serves as the Al Malaikah Temple of the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine for North America, a Masonic fraternal organization.  It has hosted many events over the years, including the Academy Awards, the Grammys, the Emmys, concerts, ballets, films, conventions, and more.

The theatre has starred in some films as well – the stage was the setting for scenes from the 1933 movie King Kong, as well as Judy Garland in A Star is Born, among others.

Adjacent to the Shrine Auditorium is the Shrine Expo Center, with over 5000 square feet of flexible event space.

In 2002, the Auditorium underwent a rehabilitation to upgrade the auditorium’s stage with state-of-the-art lighting and rigging systems, new roofing and air conditioning, additional restrooms,  and a new performance plaza and multi-level parking garage.

The Shrine Auditorium and Expo Center are still in current use for their intended purpose of hosting performance and exhibit events in the Los Angeles area.