El Portal Theatre to Celebrate 100th Anniversary in 2026

The historic Los Angeles venue will mark a century of arts and community impact.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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El Portal Theatre in Los Angeles will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2026 with a yearlong celebration honoring the venue's rich history. Originally opened in 1926 as a vaudeville house, the theatre has evolved over the decades into a performing arts complex in the NoHo Arts District. The centennial programming will include film screenings, live productions, and a culminating Centennial Black & White Gala Weekend.

Why it matters

El Portal Theatre's 100-year milestone is a testament to its enduring role as a cultural hub in the Los Angeles community. As one of the few remaining historic theatres in the area, its centennial celebration will shine a spotlight on the venue's significant contributions to the arts and entertainment landscape over the past century.

The details

El Portal Theatre first opened its doors on October 5, 1926, designed in the Spanish Renaissance Revival style by architect Lewis Arthur Smith. Over the decades, it has transitioned from a vaudeville house to silent films, early talkies, and golden-age cinema, before evolving into a performing arts complex. The theatre underwent a restoration in 2000 following damage from the 1994 Northridge earthquake, reestablishing it as the El Portal Center for the Arts. Today, the complex includes the 360-seat Debbie Reynolds MainStage, the 96-seat Monroe Forum, and the 42-seat Stuart Rogers Theatre.

  • El Portal Theatre opened on October 5, 1926.
  • The theatre will celebrate its 100th anniversary on October 5, 2026.
  • The Centennial Black & White Gala Weekend is scheduled for November 27–28, 2026.

The players

Pegge Forrest

Executive Director of El Portal Theatre, leading the organization for 26 years.

Ann Potenza

Managing Director of El Portal Theatre.

Lewis Arthur Smith

Architect who designed the original El Portal Theatre building in the Spanish Renaissance Revival style.

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What’s next

The centennial celebration will include a variety of programming, culminating in the Centennial Black & White Gala Weekend scheduled for November 27–28, 2026.

The takeaway

El Portal Theatre's 100-year milestone is a remarkable achievement, showcasing the venue's enduring impact as a cultural hub in the Los Angeles community. The yearlong celebration will honor the theatre's rich history and its continued role in supporting the arts and entertainment landscape.