Beckman Auditorium
Donated to Caltech by Dr. Arnold O. and Mabel Beckman
Beckman Auditorium is operated by Caltech Event Productions as a campus and community service. A broad spectrum of performing arts, lectures, films, classes and entertainment events are offered throughout the academic year. All events presented in Beckman Auditorium are directly sponsored by Caltech.
Beckman Auditorium is located on Michigan Avenue south of Del Mar Boulevard, Pasadena. Directions
Update
Beckman Auditorium will be closed for the remainder of the 2025-26 academic year and into the fall for maintenance and equipment repair.
The Office of Communications and External Relations (OCER) is working with event hosts to reschedule and, and where possible, to relocate to new venues events that had been planned for the space. Programs like the Watson Lecture Series will resume on campus when the facility reopens.
Check this page for updates. In the meantime, Caltech public events will continue on campus and in the community. Visit Events.Caltech.edu for a schedule.
Quick Facts
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Building Shape | Circular with conical shaped roof |
| Building Capacity | 1136 (836 main floor, 300 balcony) |
| Dimensions | 60 ft high, 120 ft in diameter |
| Color Scheme (interior) | Red, white, and gold |
| Stage | 24 ft maximum depth at center, 8 ft maximum depth Stage Right and Stage Left, by 43 ft wide |
| Stage Floor Height | 16 in |
| Main Curtain | 37 ft high (does not close) |
| Lighting | Spotlights in soffit, above stage and at rear of house |
| Projection Booth | Houses lighting controls, and projection equipment. Sound is outside of booth |
| Types of Events | Lectures, concerts, theater, dance, films, symposia, and conferences |
| ADA | Wheelchair access, assistive listening devices, large-type programs, readers, and ASL interpreters |