Doors Open California

115 Years of the Union Theatre & 25 Years of the Velaslavasay Panorama

Saturday, September 13, 2025 - 11:00am

 

DOORS OPEN CALIFORNIA

Tickets and full details are available at:

californiapreservation.org/doca

The event is from 11am-1pm.

At 11:45am founder of the Velaslavasay Panorama Sara Velas will give a brief overview on our 25 year history and the 115 year history of the Union Theatre.

At 12:15pm we will give a brief demonstration of the Grand Moving Mirror of California, our 270-foot long moving panorama painting depicting a journey on horseback during the California Gold Rush.

California Preservation Foundation presents the 4th Annual Doors Open California, a statewide celebration offering exclusive, behind‑the‑scenes access to California’s most fascinating historic places. Over four weekends in September 2025, more than 70 sites — from hidden garden courtyards and museum vaults to private architectural gems — will open for rare discovery. For only $20, attendees enjoy unlimited access to all participating sites during their chosen weekend.

September 2025 also marks the 25th anniversary of the Velaslavasay Panorama, the only 360-degree panorama viewing hall on the West Coast, and the 115th anniversary of the Velaslavasay's home - the Union Theatre - LA's oldest operating purpose-built motion picture hall. Exhibiting a neon façade capped by a glowing orange ball and adorned with aquamarine tiles, the Union Theatre is a shining star amongst Los Angeles' cinema treasures. Visitors will tour and celebrate the anniversaries of the Velaslavasay and Union Theatre with a behind-the-scenes presentation, refreshments in the garden and commemorative printed ephemera.

 

“[Doors Open is] for those who care about beautiful, historical, innovative, or even oddball places.”

— Eichler Network, May 18, 2022

 

VPES Members receive a special discount to Doors Open 2025!

contact vpes[at]panoramaonview[dot]org to learn more.

 

Follow #DOCA25 for updates, photos, and giveaways.