Jerry Moss Plaza
Jerry Moss Plaza (Plaza) is a beautiful 35,000 square foot outdoor urban oasis and destination for free and low-cost programs such as The Music Center’s highly popular Dance DTLA, along with festivals, concerts, special events and other art-making experiences. The “Plaza for All” welcomes all and brings to life the strength and diversity of Los Angeles County and with a range of dining options, refreshing gardens, an iconic fountain and views of Grand Park and City Hall.
The Music Center’s three original theatres are united by the Plaza. The Plaza’s location was planned so it would form a unit with what is now Grand Park to the east and the Department of Water and Power building to the west, creating the largest open, landscaped area of any downtown in the United States. The original Music Center was united by a central sunken plaza designed by landscape architecture firm Cornell, Bridgers and Troller in association with Welton Becket & Associates. Its refined architectural design was reflected in the original landscaping, combining water, trees, ground cover and patterned pavement to create the atmosphere of a formal courtyard.
In January 2018, The Music Center closed the plaza for a major renovation helmed by the award-winning Los Angeles-based multidisciplinary architecture and design firm Rios Clementi Hale Studios, now known as Rios. The architects not only updated the plaza’s infrastructure but also created a more welcoming space along with five new buildings: Lisa Specht Welcome Center, Abernethy’s (a full-service restaurant), The Mullin Wine Bar, and permanent public restrooms. The plaza had a major public grand opening in August 2019 and, in 2020, was renamed Jerry Moss Plaza following a $25 million benefaction by Tina and Jerry Moss to support free and low-cost programming. The reimagined plaza creates a fifth venue for The Music Center campus.
In its architecture and civic design approach, Rios raised the plaza to one single accessible level with 48,000 square feet of flexible, usable outdoor space, reconfigured the Grand Avenue staircase and added two new escalators on either side of what is now the Terri and Jerry Kohl Stairs on Grand Avenue as a new “front door” for The Music Center. The plaza redesign allows for more open space for public events and performances, enhances the connection to the community and visually connects The Music Center to Grand Park, leveraging the synergies between two major county assets.
New drought tolerant landscaping enriches the hardscape surface of the Plaza, including 20 new “Geijera parviflora” (Australian Willow) trees, which have low water requirements and were chosen for their shade and graceful foliage character. Two new gardens allow wining and dining al fresco: The plaza’s Blue Ribbon Garden is adjacent to The Mullin Wine Bar and the Fredric Roberts Garden is next to Go Get Em Tiger. The gardens feature Melaleuca quinquenervia (Paperbark) trees plus California and other evergreen plantings in a vibrant lime green color palette. Each of the gardens has historical globe lighting fixtures that sat on the original plaza and were restored and relocated to illuminate the garden spaces.
The public and artists alike appreciate the two new 12’ x 20’ plaza LED screens, which are equipped with sensors and cameras. The screens provide the opportunity to create “art” on the plaza through multiple interactive experiences that incorporate people and movement throughout the space. Imagined by the artists of Music Center partners yU+co, the LED screens feature live feeds, machine learning and various filters that allow plaza visitors to generate their own living video art in realistic or abstract ways as their movement and actions on the plaza are reflected on the LED screens. The Lisa Specht Welcome Center also features a 6’ x 20’ interactive touch screen that provides information and personalized guidance for visitors about the entire Music Center complex; The Music Center’s resident companies and TMC Arts, The Music Center’s programming engine; events, food and beverage options; and members of The Music Center community.
As part of the renovation, The Music Center moved the Jacques Lipchitz-designed “Peace on Earth” sculpture due west from its previous location in the center of the plaza’s fountain. The sculpture is now a focal point on the Hope Street side of The Music Center complex in the Rose Hills Foundation Courtyard. Additionally, the “Dance Door” designed by Robert Graham, was re-positioned in the Fredric Roberts Garden on the east side of the plaza.
TMC Arts programs Jerry Moss Plaza as both a civic and cultural space. In addition to arts programming, TMC Arts showcases artistic experiences on the plaza’s LED screens and also offers guests the opportunity to come together and share, actively or passively, in dialogue about civic issues and matters critical to each other, to the many communities in Los Angeles and to society overall. That can include showing the latest political debates—representing all sides of the political spectrum—town hall meetings, panels, talks and the like.
Featured on Jerry Moss Plaza
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Thu Aug 29 4:30 PM
Sun Nov 03 1:00 PM
A TMC Arts Program: Digital Innovation Initiative A More Than Human Tongue
Jerry Moss Plaza
Embark on an immersive journey into the evolving relationship between AI and human connection with A More Than Human Tongue with two groundbreaking experiences: One Who Looks at the Cup and Voice In My Head.
Embark on an immersive journey into the evolving relationship between AI and human connection with A More Than Human Tongue with two groundbreaking experiences: One Who Looks at the Cup and Voice In My Head.
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Sat Oct 12 2:00 PM
Sat Oct 19 11:00 AM
A TMC Arts Program The Music Center Presents: The Chapter House Indigenous Peoples' Day Party
Jerry Moss Plaza
The Music Center’s programming arm TMC Arts, in partnership with The Chapter House, will create a space on two Saturdays ...Show More
The Music Center’s programming arm TMC Arts, in partnership with The Chapter House, will create a space on two Saturdays in October for cultural affirmation and joy among the county’s Indigenous communities to foster greater awareness, respect and understanding of the ongoing cultural contributions of Indigenous people among Los Angeles County residents. These events are by and for Indigenous Peoples, and all are welcome to join!
Show LessFree
Learn MoreFree
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Sat Oct 19 11:00 AM
A TMC Arts Program Grand Ave Arts: All Access
Along Grand Ave -1st St through 5th St
Grand Ave Arts: All Access is a free family-friendly day of arts experiences featuring tours, kids activities, exhibits, pop-up performances and more by Downtown L.A.'s world-class cultural organizations.Show More
Grand Ave Arts: All Access is a free family-friendly day of arts experiences featuring tours, kids activities, exhibits, pop-up performances and more by Downtown L.A.'s world-class cultural organizations.
Show LessFree
Learn MoreFree
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Fri Nov 15 6:00 PM
Sat Nov 16 6:00 PM
A TMC Arts Program: Digital Innovation Initiative NIGHT GAMES
Jerry Moss Plaza
Step into the ultimate gaming event at Night Games, a weekend where the world of indie games ta...Show More
Step into the ultimate gaming event at Night Games, a weekend where the world of indie games takes center stage under the stars. Compete in action-packed multiplayer games, perfect your solo strategies, or simply enjoy the excitement as players go head-to-head. This one-of-a-kind experience brings gaming enthusiasts together for a celebration of creative gameplay and the innovative spirit of independent developers. Join us for an unforgettable night filled with immersive gaming, competition and discovery.
Show LessFree - rain or shine
Learn MoreFree - rain or shine
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Thu Aug 29 4:30 PM
Sun Nov 03 1:00 PM
A TMC Arts Program: Digital Innovation Initiative A More Than Human Tongue
Jerry Moss Plaza
Embark on an immersive journey into the evolving relationship between AI and human connection with A More Than Human Tongue with two groundbreaking experiences: One Who Looks at the Cup and Voice In My Head.
Embark on an immersive journey into the evolving relationship between AI and human connection with A More Than Human Tongue with two groundbreaking experiences: One Who Looks at the Cup and Voice In My Head.
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Sat Sep 21 6:00 PM
Sun Oct 13 2:00 PM
LA Opera Madame Butterfly
Dorothy Chandler Pavilion
Lights, camera, action: An American officer in turn-of-the-century Japan wants a bride, and a greedy marriage broker obliges, assuring him that the union can be easily dissolved. The innocent Cio-Cio-San believes they’re in love, ev...Show More
Lights, camera, action: An American officer in turn-of-the-century Japan wants a bride, and a greedy marriage broker obliges, assuring him that the union can be easily dissolved. The innocent Cio-Cio-San believes they’re in love, even as Lt. Pinkerton moves on. For three years, she fights off rising debts and new suitors, refusing to believe she’s been abandoned. But when their long-awaited reunion finally arrives, the lieutenant isn’t alone—and he isn’t here for her. End scene.
Directed by the Goya Award-winning Mario Gas, this stunning Madame Butterfly gets a cinematic twist as all the action takes place on a 1930s film set. Korean soprano Karah Son reprises her signature role as Puccini’s tragic heroine trying to find her way in a world dominated by men. Tenor Jonathan Tetelman is the callous Pinkerton, with Hyona Kim as Suzuki, Cio-Cio-San’s devoted maid who sees right past his gentlemanly facade, and Michael Sumuel as Sharpless, the sympathetic American consul. James Conlon, "the most accomplished music director currently working on the podium of an American opera house" (Opera News), opens the season conducting Puccini's poignant and unforgettable score.
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Wed Oct 02 8:00 PM
Sun Nov 10 6:30 PM
Center Theatre Group American Idiot
Mark Taper Forum
Slinging razor guitars, thundering drums, and an anti-hero named Johnny. Not the prelude of typical entries in the canon of musical theatre. But these elements herald a groundbreaking American musical all the same: with the burning passion of char...Show More
Slinging razor guitars, thundering drums, and an anti-hero named Johnny. Not the prelude of typical entries in the canon of musical theatre. But these elements herald a groundbreaking American musical all the same: with the burning passion of characters who yearn for something more, songs bursting with emotion, and a story that dares you to feel and celebrate and hope.
The music of Green Day and the lyrics of lead singer Billie Joe Armstrong captured the zeitgeist of a generation with its Grammy Award®-winning multi-platinum album. American Idiot puts those raw emotions front and center in a highly theatrical and thoroughly satisfying rock opera that burns up the stage.
Show Less
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Thu Aug 29 4:30 PM
Sun Nov 03 1:00 PM
A TMC Arts Program: Digital Innovation Initiative A More Than Human Tongue
Jerry Moss Plaza
Embark on an immersive journey into the evolving relationship between AI and human connection with A More Than Human Tongue with two groundbreaking experiences: One Who Looks at the Cup and Voice In My Head.
Embark on an immersive journey into the evolving relationship between AI and human connection with A More Than Human Tongue with two groundbreaking experiences: One Who Looks at the Cup and Voice In My Head.
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Sun Oct 06 7:00 PM
LA Master Chorale Sing Joyfully
Walt Disney Concert Hall
The Los Angeles Master Chorale opens the 2024-2025 season with Sing Joyfully | 60th Anniversary Celebration Concert, which features a cappella pieces from the Renaissance to present day. The concert opens with William Byrd’s ebullient...Show More
The Los Angeles Master Chorale opens the 2024-2025 season with Sing Joyfully | 60th Anniversary Celebration Concert, which features a cappella pieces from the Renaissance to present day. The concert opens with William Byrd’s ebullient Sing Joyfully, and the Chorale will take Byrd at his word by joyfully singing choral showpieces by Anton Bruckner, Sergei Rachmaninoff and Juan Gutiérrez de Padilla. The second half of the program celebrates the 30th anniversary of Morten Lauridsen’s classic O Magnum Mysterium (written for the Chorale), along with glorious music of Elinor Remick Warren, Moses Hogan and Leonard Bernstein among many others.
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Wed Oct 02 8:00 PM
Sun Nov 10 6:30 PM
Center Theatre Group American Idiot
Mark Taper Forum
Slinging razor guitars, thundering drums, and an anti-hero named Johnny. Not the prelude of typical entries in the canon of musical theatre. But these elements herald a groundbreaking American musical all the same: with the burning passion of char...Show More
Slinging razor guitars, thundering drums, and an anti-hero named Johnny. Not the prelude of typical entries in the canon of musical theatre. But these elements herald a groundbreaking American musical all the same: with the burning passion of characters who yearn for something more, songs bursting with emotion, and a story that dares you to feel and celebrate and hope.
The music of Green Day and the lyrics of lead singer Billie Joe Armstrong captured the zeitgeist of a generation with its Grammy Award®-winning multi-platinum album. American Idiot puts those raw emotions front and center in a highly theatrical and thoroughly satisfying rock opera that burns up the stage.
Show Less -
Thu Aug 29 4:30 PM
Sun Nov 03 1:00 PM
A TMC Arts Program: Digital Innovation Initiative A More Than Human Tongue
Jerry Moss Plaza
Embark on an immersive journey into the evolving relationship between AI and human connection with A More Than Human Tongue with two groundbreaking experiences: One Who Looks at the Cup and Voice In My Head.
Embark on an immersive journey into the evolving relationship between AI and human connection with A More Than Human Tongue with two groundbreaking experiences: One Who Looks at the Cup and Voice In My Head.
Show Less -
Wed Oct 02 8:00 PM
Sun Nov 10 6:30 PM
Center Theatre Group American Idiot
Mark Taper Forum
Slinging razor guitars, thundering drums, and an anti-hero named Johnny. Not the prelude of typical entries in the canon of musical theatre. But these elements herald a groundbreaking American musical all the same: with the burning passion of char...Show More
Slinging razor guitars, thundering drums, and an anti-hero named Johnny. Not the prelude of typical entries in the canon of musical theatre. But these elements herald a groundbreaking American musical all the same: with the burning passion of characters who yearn for something more, songs bursting with emotion, and a story that dares you to feel and celebrate and hope.
The music of Green Day and the lyrics of lead singer Billie Joe Armstrong captured the zeitgeist of a generation with its Grammy Award®-winning multi-platinum album. American Idiot puts those raw emotions front and center in a highly theatrical and thoroughly satisfying rock opera that burns up the stage.
Show Less -
Wed Oct 02 8:00 PM
Sun Nov 10 6:30 PM
Center Theatre Group American Idiot
Mark Taper Forum
Slinging razor guitars, thundering drums, and an anti-hero named Johnny. Not the prelude of typical entries in the canon of musical theatre. But these elements herald a groundbreaking American musical all the same: with the burning passion of char...Show More
Slinging razor guitars, thundering drums, and an anti-hero named Johnny. Not the prelude of typical entries in the canon of musical theatre. But these elements herald a groundbreaking American musical all the same: with the burning passion of characters who yearn for something more, songs bursting with emotion, and a story that dares you to feel and celebrate and hope.
The music of Green Day and the lyrics of lead singer Billie Joe Armstrong captured the zeitgeist of a generation with its Grammy Award®-winning multi-platinum album. American Idiot puts those raw emotions front and center in a highly theatrical and thoroughly satisfying rock opera that burns up the stage.
Show Less -
Sat Sep 21 6:00 PM
Sun Oct 13 2:00 PM
LA Opera Madame Butterfly
Dorothy Chandler Pavilion
Lights, camera, action: An American officer in turn-of-the-century Japan wants a bride, and a greedy marriage broker obliges, assuring him that the union can be easily dissolved. The innocent Cio-Cio-San believes they’re in love, ev...Show More
Lights, camera, action: An American officer in turn-of-the-century Japan wants a bride, and a greedy marriage broker obliges, assuring him that the union can be easily dissolved. The innocent Cio-Cio-San believes they’re in love, even as Lt. Pinkerton moves on. For three years, she fights off rising debts and new suitors, refusing to believe she’s been abandoned. But when their long-awaited reunion finally arrives, the lieutenant isn’t alone—and he isn’t here for her. End scene.
Directed by the Goya Award-winning Mario Gas, this stunning Madame Butterfly gets a cinematic twist as all the action takes place on a 1930s film set. Korean soprano Karah Son reprises her signature role as Puccini’s tragic heroine trying to find her way in a world dominated by men. Tenor Jonathan Tetelman is the callous Pinkerton, with Hyona Kim as Suzuki, Cio-Cio-San’s devoted maid who sees right past his gentlemanly facade, and Michael Sumuel as Sharpless, the sympathetic American consul. James Conlon, "the most accomplished music director currently working on the podium of an American opera house" (Opera News), opens the season conducting Puccini's poignant and unforgettable score.
Show Less
Thank You to our Generous and Visionary Donors to Jerry Moss Plaza
The renovated Jerry Moss Plaza completes a dream and opens the door to a future where The Music Center is at the heart of deepening the cultural lives of every resident of L.A. County. The Music Center will continue to uplift this vision by activating the plaza with innovative and inspiring arts experiences for all to enjoy.
Prohibited Items and Activities on Jerry Moss Plaza
For the safety and enjoyment of all guests who visit Jerry Moss Plaza, please note that the following items and activities are prohibited.
- Bathing in pools or fountain
- Camping
- Damage to plants or property
- Entering fountain pools at the Mark Taper Forum
- Feeding the birds
- Explosives
- Firearms
- Fires
- Lawn umbrellas
- Littering (including pet waste)
- Narcotics or illegal drugs
- Overnight lodging
- Outside alcohol
- Outside furniture
- Professional-grade photo and video equipment, including but not limited to: tripods, drones, microphones, cameras, lights, reflectors, etc.
- Public intoxication
- Electric scooters
- Rollerblading
- Skateboarding
- Smoking (including vapes) except in designated smoking areas
- Tents
- Tripods
- Unauthorized driving or parking
- Unauthorized photo or video shoots
- Unauthorized solicitation
- Unauthorized vending
- Unleashed animals
- Weapons