Just south of Downtown Los Angeles’ skyline stands a building that has quietly witnessed a century of history. In 2026, Bob Hope Patriotic Hall marked 100 years since its grand opening in 1926 — a milestone honoring not only the structure itself, but the generations of veterans it has served.
Saturday, February 21, 2026, Bob Hope Patriotic Hall opened its doors to commemorate a century of service to Los Angeles’ veteran community. Veterans, families, and civic leaders gathered beneath its historic ceilings for a day marked by reflection and recognition. The daytime program included historical exhibits, guided presentations, and formal acknowledgments honoring multiple generations who have walked through its doors. Archival photographs and restored artwork offered a visual reminder of the Hall’s early beginnings and its continued role in serving those who have worn the uniform.
The Hall’s roots reach back even earlier. In 1916, veterans first gathered in a modest two-story church on Figueroa Street, laying the foundation for what would become a permanent headquarters. As Los Angeles grew and more service members returned home from war, the need for a centralized meeting place became clear. With land donated by W.H. Daubenspeck, construction moved forward on a dedicated building at 1816 S. Figueroa Street. When its doors opened in 1926, visitors entered a stately structure designed in the Italian Renaissance Revival style with Romanesque influences — solid, dignified, and built to endure.
Throughout the decades, the Hall evolved into more than a meeting place. It became a civic anchor for veteran organizations, a site for assemblies and ceremonies, and during World War II, a morale center for troops on leave. The auditorium welcomed entertainers who volunteered their time to lift spirits during wartime.
Among them was Bob Hope, whose dedication to U.S. service members spanned decades. Alongside performers such as Bing Crosby and Dorothy Lamour, Hope brought comedy and music to thousands of troops, both at home and abroad. In recognition of his longstanding commitment to the armed forces, the building was officially renamed Bob Hope Patriotic Hall in 2004, ensuring that his legacy of service would remain permanently associated with the landmark.
On Saturday, February 21, 2026, the centennial celebration brought veterans, families, and civic leaders together under one roof. The daytime program featured historical exhibits, guided reflections, and formal acknowledgments honoring multiple generations of service. Archival photographs and restored artwork highlighted the Hall’s early years and its continued role in the community.
The evening concluded with a formal gala reception and dinner, recognizing individuals and organizations who have helped preserve and modernize the building. Funds raised during the event were directed toward sustaining veteran services and programming for the years ahead.
One hundred years after its doors first opened, Bob Hope Patriotic Hall remains rooted in its original purpose — service, support, and community. Its name honors an entertainer who stood beside troops through decades of conflict, and its walls continue to stand for those who served.
