In “I’m Glad These Louisville Buildings Are Still Around!,”
I briefly mentioned
War Memorial
Auditorium near 4
th and Kentucky but recently decided it was
worth a post of its own. It was built to honor those who served in World War I
and opened on Armistice Day (Veterans’ Day) 1929. Today, it's overshadowed by
other venues – Louisville Palace, Kentucky Center, Brown Theater, Louisville
Gardens, Freedom Hall, Yum! Center, etc. – but in its prime, it was the city’s
premier performance hall. Those who graced its stage include Rachmaninoff,
Gershwin, Marian Anderson, and Baryshnikov. It has one of the biggest and best
pipe organs in the world (more information below). Also, a 1954 renovation of
the facility made it “acoustically perfect” - it’s one of the best sounding
spaces available. It’s a wonderful hall with a rich history. Hopefully, it
sticks around and stays active for many more years to come.
Stately exterior...
Original interior layout...
After 1954 renovation, side balconies closed off...
Lobby...
About the organ…
It’s original to the venue; designed, manufactured, and
installed by Henry Picher’s Sons of Louisville in 1929. It cost $65,000 then,
$900,000+ in today’s dollars. It has 4 manuals, 79 ranks, and over 5,200 pipes;
it’s the largest Pilcher organ ever built. The instrument still works but
is in need of restoration. Luckily, there are already efforts under way (see link below).
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