A Cultural Epicenter

 

Set on the former backlot of 20th Century Fox Studios, Fairmont Century Plaza has a long history as a cultural epicenter. Originally deemed “The Hotel of the Future,” Century Plaza has always been home to industry disruptors, beloved Hollywood stars, American presidents, cultural trendsetters, and those just looking to bask in the energy of it all. Major moments in history have taken place in our storied ballroom from the Emmys to the Grammys to presidential state dinners. In fact, the hotel was known as the “Western White House,” as it was President Reagan’s preferred hotel on the West Coast and has hosted numerous past presidents over the years. Fairmont Century Plaza’s place in history remains unshakable.

1961

DEVELOPMENT

In 1961, developer William Zeckendorf and ALCOA bought about 180 acres from 20th Century Fox after the studio had suffered a string of expensive flops, culminating in the box-office disaster Cleopatra. The new owners conceived Century City as “a city within a city” with the arc-shaped, 19-story, 750-room Minoru Yamasaki-designed Century Plaza as the centerpiece of the new city. Designed and marketed as the “World’s Most Beautiful Hotel”, the Century Plaza was known for many modern and high-tech features such as being the first hotel to have color televisions in all of its rooms.

Black and white photo of the construction of Century Plaza

1966

GRAND OPENING

The Century Plaza Hotel opened on June 1, 1966 in the Century City neighborhood of Los Angeles on the former back lot of 20th Century Fox Studios. Fox still has its lot in the neighborhood, as well as its headquarters, Fox Plaza. Century City, known as the City of the Century (20th), was dominated for much of its early history by the Century Plaza Hotel, as it was the highest building on the hill, where the Presidential Suite looked all the way to the Pacific Ocean.

Black and white photo of a billboard sign for Century Plaza hotel.

1966

CUTTING EDGE LUXURY

When the hotel first opened it had cutting-edge technology that was advanced for its time such as: central air and heating, electric blankets, built-in vanities, ice machines, radios in the nightstands, and was the first hotel to have color television; a decade before it reached most American homes.

A lady touches an old tube TV that was a staple of Century Plaza rooms in the 1960s.

1969

DINNER OF THE CENTURY

On the evening of August 13, 1969, President and Mrs. Nixon hosted the first and only Presidential state dinner outside of the White House, also known as the Dinner of the Century at the Century Plaza, to honor the safe return of the Apollo 11 astronauts. Over 50 members of Congress, representatives from 83 foreign nations and 14 members of the President’s Cabinet attended the star-studded gala, often recognized as one of the greatest – if not the greatest – state dinners held outside of Washington. One thousand four hundred and forty people attended this glamorous occasion, including the astronauts’ families, space and aviation pioneers, space-related committees, and the greatest stars of Hollywood. All in one room, one could find Mrs. Walt Disney, Ed and Don Nixon, Justice Warren Burger, Buddy Rodgers, and the widows of the astronauts of Apollo 1.

A photo of the Apollo State Dinner with President Nixon

1960-2008

PRESIDENTIAL CELEBRATIONS

Century Plaza has always been popular with U.S. Presidents; in fact every president since Ford has stayed at Century Plaza or visited in some capacity. However, the hotel is perhaps most closely associated with Former President Ronald Reagan who often stayed and hosted many of his fundraisers and inaugural celebrations in our storied ballroom. During this time, the hotel was frequently referred to as the “Western White House.” Its heavy use by national and world leaders has made Century Plaza a popular destination for political activism.

Historic photo of The Reagans entering the Century Plaza hotel.

1967

EMMY AWARDS

The 19th Primetime Emmy Awards were handed out at the hotel on June 4, 1967. Lucille Ball of “The Lucy Show” won Oustanding Actress in a Leading Role in a Comedy Series.

A photo of Lucille Ball dining at the Century Plaza

1970

GRAMMY AWARDS

The 12th Annual Grammy Awards were held on March 11, 1970 at the hotel. Johnny Cash won Best Country Vocal Performance, Male, for “A Boy Named Sue.” Interestingly, the Man in Black wasn’t just honored for his vocal performance, but his literary performance as well, as he received the Best Album Notes award for his contributions to his friend Bob Dylan’s Nashville Skyline.

Two famous actors smile and embrace.

1970

SONNY & CHER

The iconic duo Sonny & Cher used to perform nightly at the hotel and also recorded their first live album here in 1971. Over the years many musicians and icons have performed at the hotel.

An invitaiton to a Sonny & Cher viewing at Century Plaza Hotel.

1978

RETURN TO THE CENTURY

Return To The Century was a solo show that Elton John performed at the hotel in 1978. It was a private show for industry executives and featured Elton John at his most uninhibited in his commentary between songs.

Elton John in the Return to The Century poster.

1993

CREAM

Cream was inducted to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1993 by ZZ Top, calling them one of the most important bands in rock history. Music-industry executives, artists and rock fans stood on seats in the hotel ballroom and craned to see the group. Others honored at this ceremony were Ruth Brown, Creedence Clearwater Revival, The Doors, Etta James, Frankie Lymon & The Teenagers, Van Morrison, Sly & The Family Stone, Dick Clark, Milt Gabler and Dinah Washington.

Band performs live at the Fairmont Century Plaze.

2002

OPEN HEARTS, CLEAR MINDS

Paul McCartney was joined for the 2nd annual landmine benefit concert by the legendary Brian Wilson, who opened up the show at the Century Plaza before handing over to McCartney. Towards the end of his set, Wilson joined his friend for a rousing rendition of the Beatles’ classic ‘Let It Be’.

Paul McCartney and Brian Wilson poster for a show at Fairmont Century Plaza in 2002.

Present

STAR STUDDED AFFAIRS

Century Plaza has hosted countless star-studded galas, charity functions and important entertainment industry events over the course of its distinguished history, such as: Director’s Guild Awards, Emmys, Grammys, British American Film & Television Awards and Writer’s Guild Awards. From stately to intimate affairs Century Plaza has conducted it all and continues to be the center for technology, music and entertainment.

Leonardo DiCaprio talks with Clint Eastwood at the Fairmont Century Plaza.