Dorothy Chandler Pavilion

The Dorothy Chandler Pavilion is the first and largest of the four halls at the Music Center, up on Bunker Hill at 135 N Grand Ave, across the street from Disney Hall. From outside it's a tall glass box ringed by white columns that rise from the plaza. Inside you walk into a two-story lobby of onyx and mosaic tile, and the upstairs terraces look out over three huge chandeliers.

About 3,200 people fit in the auditorium, spread over four levels from the orchestra up to the balcony. The room is close to square, so most seats sit within about 105 feet of the stage, and even the top of the balcony doesn't feel like the back row of an arena. The LA Phil played here for decades, and the Oscars were handed out on this stage from 1969 to 1999.

Today it's LA Opera's home, and Glorya Kaufman Presents Dance brings touring ballet and modern companies through each season. Other promoters rent the room for holiday shows and the odd concert, so check the list below before you assume it's an opera night. If it is, LA Opera only admits kids aged 9 and up to its mainstage productions.

Driving is easy by downtown standards. The Music Center's main garage is between 1st and Temple, and on show nights there's a flat event rate plus valet on Hope Street. Rideshare drivers can drop you at 218 N Hope St. By train, get off at the Grand Ave Arts/Bunker Hill stop or Civic Center/Grand Park and walk up the hill. LA Opera asks people to show up 45 minutes before curtain, and its free pre-show talks start an hour ahead in the upstairs hall.