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Facilities Update
The Skirball Cultural Center Celebrates The Opening Of Herscher Hall And Guerin Pavillion


L.A.'s Premiere New Event Space Kicks Off With an Elegant Founders Gala

The Skirball Cultural Center, one of the city's premiere cultural and event destinations, marked the dedication of the institution's final two buildings, Herscher Hall and Guerin Pavilion, with a breathtaking inaugural gala in October. More than 450 guests, including world-renowned architect Moshe Safdie - who designed and built the entire 15-acre campus over 30 years - and Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, were on hand to celebrate the momentous event, hosted by the Skirball's founding president and CEO, Uri D. Herscher.

Produced by the Skirball's gala committee in close collaboration with Wayne Baruch and Chuck Gayton of Baruch/Gayton Entertainment Group, whose clients include the Hollywood Bowl, the Segerstrom Center for the Arts, and the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts (Kansas City), the program included remarks by Herscher and Safdie, as well as films celebrating the making of the Skirball and portraying its dynamic mix of educational and cultural programs. A moving performance by the Los Angeles Children's Chorus concluded the festive affair. A custom-designed sculptural centerpiece, showcasing photographs of the Skirball's distinctive architecture, was produced by Astek. Wall coverings, and furniture was provided by Classic Party Rentals. The gourmet menu, created by the Skirball's executive chef, Sean Sheridan, included:

• Mélange of Autumn Fruits and Greens (Boston lettuce, roasted pumpkin-glazed persimmons, and heirloom tomatoes)

• Baked Norwegian Ocean Trout with Black Rice and Seaweed Salsa Verde (served with roasted Brussels sprouts and glazed baby carrots)

• Valrhona Chocolate Mousse Cake (with raspberry and chocolate pearls and topped with an image of Herscher Hall in white chocolate!)

Now accepting private event bookings, the adjoining Herscher Hall and Guerin Pavilion add an additional 17,500 sq. ft. of event space and provide a stunning backdrop for grand weddings and receptions, conferences and networking events, galas and lifecycle celebrations. The centerpiece of the new facility, Guerin Pavilion's 9,000-sq. ft. ballroom, is flooded with warm natural light from nearly 100 custom-designed skylights in a majestic arched roof supported by Oregon Douglas Fir beams. A large window-wall frames the dramatic view of a cascading terraced garden, which features 30 Japanese maple trees, creating the appearance of a floor-to-ceiling living mural spanning the length of the ballroom. The entrance plaza is accented with coral trees, enamel art panels, and a monumental fountain. Magnificent and stately, yet scaled to evoke a sense of welcome and community, Herscher Hall and Guerin Pavilion are sure to become one of L.A.'s most exciting new venues for years to come.

"We are excited to inaugurate our elegant new buildings, designed by the Skirball's renowned architect, Moshe Safdie," said Marilyn Delanoeye, Skirball vice president of Hospitality and Private Events. "Marking the completion of our spectacular 15-acre campus, which has long been a place of meeting for the community, Herscher Hall and Guerin Pavilion will enable us to expand event opportunities for our existing partners and hopefully for many new organizations and individuals."

Features of the Skirball Cultural Center include:

·Flexible indoor and outdoor event spaces, now totaling more than 55,000 sq. ft. with the opening of Herscher Hall and Guerin Pavilion

·Modern architecture, picturesque natural setting

·Neutral palette to suit any décor

·Well-appointed ballrooms and auditoriums, garden patios and courtyards, boardrooms and classrooms, bridal suites

·Gourmet, on-site catering and full premium bar services

·Professional, personal service

·Dramatic lighting, audio/visual, and information technologies.

·Ample complimentary parking

Herscher Hall and Guerin Pavilion are located at the Skirball Cultural Center at 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd. Parking is complimentary. For more information, please visit www.skirball.org/guerin-pavilion or call (310) 440-4589.

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