Agnews Auditorium
AGNEWS STATE HOSPITAL
Historic Name - Assembly Hall
ERECTED 1914
California State Architectural Department George Sellon, State Architect
The Auditorium is one of the more ornate Mediterranean Revival / Arts &
Crafts style hospital buildings. Its grand, two story, semi-circular arches and
patterned brick banding are reminiscent of designs by the famous Chicago
architect, Louis Sullivan. Together with other buildings sharing similar design
motifs and materials it helped to create a cohesive “campus” design.
As one of the leading psychiatrists on the west coast, Dr. Leonard Stocking
agreed with Progressive Era reformers in the belief that recreation could be
used as a tool to shape behavior. In keeping with this mission the Auditorium
housed spaces for performances, social gatherings, billiards and music. This
building's large and versatile main hall served continuously as the hospital's
principal social center until Agnews closed in 1996. The Leonard Stocking
Museum is now located in two rooms adjacent to the Auditorium’s entry lobby.
Submitted by: Eric Goodill