Out of the Box Event Spaces: The Ebell

From galleries to rooftops, Los Angeles is filled with hidden gems and unexpected places to hold your next special event. Why not break 'out of the box' and consider something new whether it is for a party, fundraiser, workshop or wedding.

The Ebell of Los Angeles: grand architecture with a fascinating history.

I had been to the Ebell several times to attend events, but when I visited looking at the space from the eyes of an event planner, I discovered a million new nooks and crannies and unexpected stories of a legacy of amazing women, movies we have seen and movie stars new and old.

The architecture is considered Italian Renaissance. The archways, breezeways, columns and carvings offer rich texture, and the grandeur of the hardwood-floor ballrooms offer an elegant setting. Much of the furnishings were designed and acquired for the clubhouse's opening in 1927.

There is history in just about everything you see in the Ebell, including the iconic Fountain of Honor in the courtyard garden, designed by Henry Lion in memory of Ebell members' sons, husbands and brothers who served their country in World War I. The Lounge, with its ornately carved and gilded ceiling, picturesque 20' windows, and magnificent staircase is the perfect backdrop for a majestic wedding.

Many people do not realize how often they have seen the third floor terrace & library. You've seen it in Forrest Gump, when he learned to play ping-pong in the VA Hospital. If you saw The Artist, you saw a LOT of the Ebell: the art salon and lounge (auction scenes), the dining room (the actress' storage room), the library (Studio Exec's office) and the 3rd floor terrace (the hospital). The third floor is probably the least visited by people and the most viewed via film and televisions.

There is a time capsule buried on site, and it scheduled to be revealed in 2044. And so many dignitaries and celebrities have graced the halls and stage: Judy Garland was discovered on the Wilshire Ebell Theatre stage, Amelia Earhart gave her last public speech at the Ebell before her ill-fated flight around the world. Dave Brubeck recorded live at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre, and our contemporary talents (Brad Pitt, George Clooney, Julia Roberts, Tom Cruise…) have all been to the Ebell for celebrations.

Executive Chef Louis Pechan has created quite a reputation for his marvelously delicious cuisine and presentation, whether for a club luncheon, a Consult dinner, or a celebrity gala. Bringing his previous experience from the kitchens of Rockenwagner, Patina Catering, Chive and Falcon he has honed his talent for menu design and picture perfect presentation. Since joining The Ebell, Chef Pechan has been at the culinary helm of some of Los Angeles' most prestigious events including The National Academy of Recording Arts & Science's Nominee Reception, The Grammy Foundation's Grammy Week Event, The Environmental Media Awards Gala, and the Hollywood Humane Society's Annual Holiday Vegan Brunch.

In addition to planning your own event, The Ebell Club calendar has a variety of events that are often open to the public: Monday Lunch Programs featuring topics that run the gamut from art history to financial planning, pop culture, music, theatre, architecture – you name it! Monthly themed Assembly Dinners, Live in the Lounge music events, the Annual Supper with Santa event, summer dinners, etc. The membership requests and interest shape the events produced by the club.

Jeannine Chanin Penn owns xoj9 | event curator …providing smart & beautiful events & design | her BIG boy, husband, lobster & the color purple make her happy…