Santa Barbara in Santa Barbara County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Old Lobero Theatre
Photographed by Michael Kindig, April 11, 2009
1. Old Lobero Theatre Marker
Jose Lobero opened the region's first legitimate theatre on this site February 22, 1873. For many years the old theatre was the center of social life in Santa Barbara. A new Lobero Theatre, opened in 1924 on the same site, continues to serve the cultural interests of the area.
city plaque:
The Lobero Theatre.
City of Santa Barbara, Designated Landmark · 1981.
Built in 1924 on the site of Jose Lobero's original Opera House.
Lutah Maria Riggs, Architect (1896-1984).
George Washington Smith, Architect (1876-1930).
Erected 1974 by State Deparment of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with the County of Santa Barbara, Lobero Theatre Foundation, and Tierra De Oro Parlor No. 304, N.D.G.W. (Marker Number 361.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Entertainment • Hispanic Americans. In addition, it is included in the California Historical Landmarks, and the Native Sons/Daughters of the Golden West series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1873.
Location. 34° 25.286′ N, 119° 41.99′ W. Marker is in Santa Barbara, California,
this page online
Regionally, this marker is on California’s Central Coast, specifically on the Coast Ranges, and specifically in the Transverse Ranges. It is also on the American Pacific Coast. Globally, it is in North America, on the Ring of Fire, in the Pacific Rim, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain and also Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Jose Lobero's Opera House (here, next to this marker); Jimmy's Oriental Gardens (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Oreρa Adobe (about 400 feet away); Old Chinatown (about 400 feet away); Hill-Carrillo Adobe (about 500 feet away); De La Guerra Plaza (about 500 feet away); Site of Royal Spanish Presidio
Photographed by Craig Baker, 2017
2. The State Plaque is Missing
More about this marker. The state plaque and the boulder it was mounted to were removed during theater remodeling. The theater does not respond to requests for information.
Photographed by Craig Baker, March 26, 2020
3. City Landmark
Photographed by Craig Baker, 2017
4. Old Lobero Theatre
Photographed by Michael Kindig, April 11, 2009
5. Ticket Office
Credits. This page was last revised on December 3, 2024. It was originally submitted on December 16, 2011, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. This page has been viewed 1,245 times since then and 44 times this year. Last updated on November 7, 2018, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. Photos: 1. submitted on December 16, 2011, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. 2. submitted on November 7, 2018, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 3. submitted on April 2, 2020, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 4. submitted on November 7, 2018, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 5. submitted on December 16, 2011, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
