Great American Music Hall

The Great American Music Hall is defined by its ornate interior, which features gilded rococo columns, hand-carved balconies, and ceiling murals that date to its original construction. Built in nineteen oh seven as part of the city's post-earthquake reconstruction, the venue began as a lavish saloon called Blanco's, commissioned by the political boss Chris Buckley. Even after losing his sight, Buckley worked with a French architect to realize the room's decorative flourishes, intending to create a sense of awe in an upscale establishment that catered to gambling and drinking.