Sacramento Memorial Auditorium
historic place
The Sacramento Memorial Auditorium, a historic place in Sacramento County, California, was completed in 1926 and officially opened on February 22, 1927. This building was constructed as a memorial to Sacramento County veterans of the Spanish-American War and World War I. Etched on either side of the front entrance are the words: "This building is dedicated to those who made the supreme sacrifice in the service of the United States." A plaque at a flagpole also honors those who made the supreme sacrifice, erected by the Teachers of Sacramento. Designed by City Architect James S. Dean, with Arthur Brown, Jr. and G. Albert Lansburgh, the auditorium features a Southern European, Early Renaissance revival style. This design incorporates elements of Byzantine, Italian Romanesque, Lombardic, and Spanish architecture. The site previously held the Mary J. Waters Grammar School, built in 1872. The auditorium has hosted numerous events, including inauguration balls for California governors. In 1986, the building closed due to seismic concerns. After renovations, it reopened in 1996 as part of the Sacramento Convention Center Complex. The Sacramento Memorial Auditorium remains a significant historical landmark.