A FOREVER PALM SPRINGS ICON
Established in 1936. Restored & reborn in 2025.
Step into a piece of living history. Since 1936, the Plaza Theatre has been more than just a building; it has been the heartbeat of Palm Springs. Here, where the glimmer of Hollywood's golden era blends seamlessly with the magic of the desert, legends have not only graced the stage but have also left their mark on history.
Learn About Key Moments and Eras from the Theatre's Rich History
Construction and development
Construction of the La Plaza complex, including the Theatre, began in February 1936 and kept hundreds employed in the depths of the great depression. Completed in December, the atmospheric theatre design of architect Harry Williams and the endowment of National Cash Register heiress Julia Carnell created an 850 seat desert dream.
Opening with Camille premier
The Plaza Theater was unveiled on the night of December 12th, 1936, with the world premiere of the MGM film Camille. Starring Greta Garbo. Many of Hollywood's biggest stars were in attendance with newsreel cameras and press covering the arrival of film star Robert Montgomery. Apparently, Garbo slipped in quietly unnoticed and in disguise to witness the event.
Radio & Desert Circus Era
By the early 1940s, radio was the king of all media, and the nationwide radio broadcasts of stars like Jack Benny, Bob Hope, and Bing Crosby originated from the stage of the Plaza Theatre. The 1940s also brought locally produced entertainment, with the Village Vanities show featuring skits, silly songs, and even drag performances to bring out the laughs, all part of the popular Desert Circus week in town.
Film premieres and movie palace
Throughout its years as a film palace, movie premieres, including the films of Lucille Ball, Bob Hope, Jack Warner, and Frank Sinatra, would often bring out the klieg lights and celebrities at the Plaza Theatre for special events that were often fundraisers for local and national charities.
Fabulous Follies Era
Newly elected mayor Sonny Bono brought back the Plaza Theatre from fading glory to make it the home of the Palm Springs International Film Festival in 1990. The following year, local entertainment retirees were once again on stage for the over-the-top revue show called the Palm Springs Follies, which ran for 23 seasons.
Decline and closing
In 2014, with the end of the Follies, the Plaza Theatre closed its doors. Suffering from many years of interior and exterior changes, which included the demolition of the original patio box office, a move that inspired our local preservation movement. The future of the Theater itself was in doubt.
Restoration efforts
In 2019, local preservationist and former Palm Springs council member J.R. Roberts formed the Plaza Theatre Foundation to restore the theatre to its 1936 origins. In 2024, ground was broken on the project as workers and artisans faithfully brought back Harry Williams and Julia Carnell's vision for the 21st century when the ribbon was cut on November 21st , 2025.
Grand Reopening and the future
The Plaza Theater has much more in store. A brand new museum highlighting incredible artifacts from its 90-year history is in the planning stages. The Foundation continues to underwrite numerous groups, charities, and educational programs, fulfilling its mission to make the Plaza Theater once again an entertainment complex dedicated to the desert community.
Honoring the past, building for the future.
Today, the Plaza Theatre is on the brink of its most spectacular performance yet. It has returned to the spotlight under the expert management of Oak View Group and promises to be more than just a venue; it will serve as a catalyst for cultural connection, offering world-class programming while remaining accessible to all.
This project isn't only about preserving a building; it is about energizing a community. Through the visionary partnership of Oak View Group, the Palm Springs Plaza Theatre Foundation, and the City of Palm Springs, this beloved landmark is not just being restored but reimagined for future generations.
We are crafting more than a renovation; we are orchestrating a renaissance. As of March 2024, master artisans are breathing new life into every corner, blending meticulous preservation with cutting-edge innovation. Each detail tells a story, from the newly uncovered 1936 decorative stenciling on the storied stage (a hidden treasure being lovingly restored) to the expanded lobby that will welcome tomorrow's audiences.
The transformation is comprehensive: a state-of-the-art cooling system for desert comfort, modernized dressing rooms for world-class talent, and extra comfortable seating ready to host a full spectrum of performing arts. Yet, amidst all this innovation, we are keeping the Plaza's soul intact. Beyond the significant cultural benefits, this revitalization will bring new energy to downtown Palm Springs, attracting tens of thousands of visitors each year and generating substantial economic impact for local businesses, restaurants, and hotels.
The Plaza Theatre has always been more than the sum of its parts. It is a place where memories are made, art comes alive, and Palm Springs shows its true colors. As we write this next chapter, we invite you to be part of the story—whether by supporting our restoration, planning your next event, or simply dreaming of the moment you will take your seat in this timeless treasure. Your stage awaits! The Palm Springs Plaza Theatre Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization.
Support The Plaza Theatre
By supporting the Plaza Theatre, you contribute to educational and community programs that will build a vibrant cultural and economic experience downtown, and enrich the lives of residents of all ages and backgrounds. Your donation lets us bring diverse programming, from concerts and stage theatre to film screenings and speaking series, ensuring that starting in late fall of 2025, everyone across the Coachella Valley has access to quality entertainment and cultural experiences.
Together, we can create lasting memories and celebrate the arts in a venue that truly belongs to everyone.