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Casino Review

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Casino

Architectural Sites, Catalina Island


Fodor's Review:

On the northwest point of Avalon Bay (looking to your right from Green Pleasure Pier) is the majestic landmark Casino. This circular white structure is one of the finest examples of art deco architecture anywhere. Its Spanish-inspired floors and murals gleam with brilliant blue and green Catalina tiles. In this case, casino, the Italian word for "gathering place," has nothing to do with gambling. Rather, Casino life revolves around the magnificent ballroom. The same big-band dances that made the Casino famous in the 1930s and '40s still take place several times a year. The New Year's Eve dance (310/510-1520) is hugely popular and sells out well in advance.

Santa Catalina Island Company leads tours of the Casino, lasting about 55 minutes, for $9. You can also visit the Catalina Island Museum, in the lower level of the Casino, which investigates 7,000 years of island history; or stop at the Casino Art Gallery to see works by local artists. First-run movies are screened nightly at the Avalon Theatre, noteworthy for its classic 1929 theater pipe organ.

 

INFO

  • Address: 1 Casino Way, Avalon, CA
  • Phone: 310/510-2414 museum; 310/510-0808 art gallery; 310/510-0179 Avalon Theatre
  • Cost: Museum $4, art gallery free
  • Open: Museum: daily 10-5. Art gallery: mid-Mar.-Dec., daily 10:30-4; Jan.-mid-Mar, Tues. and Thurs.-Sun. 10:30-4

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