Pomona Fox Theater

114 W. Third Street,
Pomona, CA 91766

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Related Websites

Pomona Fox Theater (Official), New Fox Theater, Pomona (Official)

Additional Info

Previously operated by: Fox West Coast Theatres, Mann Theatres

Architects: Clifford A. Balch, Floyd E. Stanbery

Firms: Balch & Stanbery

Functions: Concerts, Movies, Special Events

Styles: Art Deco, Egyptian

Previous Names: Fox Pomona Theater, Fox Theater

Phone Numbers: Box Office: 877.283.6976

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News About This Theater

Jul 9, 2010 — Fox theaters in three CA cities were once Hollywood's proving grounds
Apr 29, 2009 — Pomona California Fox theater Grand Opening
Feb 26, 2009 — Friends of Fox to host Pomona Fox re-opening
Nov 13, 2008 — Pomona downtown looks towards future
May 16, 2007 — Final tour of Fox Theatre before restoration
Feb 13, 2007 — New Owner for Pomona Fox Theater

The Fox Theater in Pomona, California was opened by Fox West Coast Theatres on April 24, 1931 with Spencer Tracy in “6 Cylinder Love”. The auditorium seated 1,751 in orchestra and balcony levels.

Mann Theatres ceased showing regular movies at the Fox Theatre in 1976. It then operated as a Spanish-language movie theatre, before closing in the late-1980’s. It then began use as a concert venue. A 1990’s rave promoter painted over many of the original murals, stripped the theatre of most of its elegant fixtures and demolished its 1938 concession counter. After two teenagers died while attending rave parties at the theatre in 1999, the city stepped in, closing the theatre and purchased the building. As the theatre was still in danger, a ‘Save the Fox’ campaign of local citizens banded together. In 2007, local developers who specialize in renovating historic buildings bought the theatre from the city for $1.6 million and spent $10 million to restore the former movie palace. The Fox Theatre was totally renovated to be a ‘state of the art’ venue, with a restoration or replication of all historic features such as the tower sign, marquee, murals, and seats.

The Fox Theatre reopened with a April 18, 2009 gala fundraising dinner and ball, with actress Carol Channing as a special guest and many people appearing in 1930’s period dress. The Fox Theatre now hosts concerts, films and other events.

The Fox Theater was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1981.

Contributed by Ross Melnick, Ken Roe, Howard B. Haas

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Recent comments (view all 61 comments)

kencmcintyre on March 31, 2010 at 5:50 pm

Here is another night photo:
http://tinyurl.com/ylx9bk9

JayAllenSanford on January 7, 2011 at 1:44 pm

Here are two photos I came across on Facebook showing a scale model version of the Pomona Fox — View link

View link

monika on April 29, 2011 at 8:08 pm

The Fox Pomona can be seen in the “Goodbye, Michael” episode of “The Office”, which aired on 4/28/11.

monika on May 29, 2011 at 10:01 pm

The Google car needs to hit downtown Pomona again now that the theatre is renovated and its marquee so beautiful!

JAlex on August 9, 2011 at 12:46 pm

A couple of stage dimensions: Proscenium—45 feet; Depth—20 feet.

JohnClifford on August 30, 2011 at 9:12 pm

The Friends of the Pomona Fox organization is committed to presenting interesting community programming at a low cost and to allow the community to see this fabulously restored theater. We offer tours (by appointment) as well as a series of regular screenings and programs. On August 28 we presented Rebel Without A Cause, and on September 25 we will be presenting the documentary, Chicano Rock!

Our web site is http://www.pomonafox.org. Visit us for more information on the theater and our programs.

JohnClifford on August 30, 2011 at 9:15 pm

Oh, and Jay Alan Sanford’s photos of the scale model are from the Garden Railroad at Fairplex and can be seen during the LA County Fair coming up in a week. Note that it is a reversed version of the real theater.

CSWalczak on April 13, 2012 at 5:13 pm

This theater was frequently used by the movie industry during the golden age of Hollywood for sneak previews and test screenings as it was far enough away from Hollywood to provide a more accurate barometer in terms of audience reaction to films prior to release. This fact is inherent Joe Gillis’s line in “Sunset Boulevard” when he says to Norma Desmond, with regard to her planned comeback film about Salome, “They’ll love it in Pomona”.