Courtesy of McCallum Theater.
Today, McCallum Theatre sits majestically on the campus of the College of the Desert in Palm Desert, California. With the beautiful plaza and reflection pond featuring a dancing fountain greeting you upon arrival, the stage is immediately set for a memorable evening.
A Little History
In May 1973, a group of individuals from the business, education and cultural arena came together to form the Friends of the Cultural Center, committing themselves to the creation of a state-of-the-art performing arts center. In 1984, local developer Terry Hahn donated $1 million to the cause, and Gerald Ford was named Chairman of the Board, who was responsible for Bob Hope joining the movement.
Opening Night
Opening night was January 1988, after a $22 million investment in what would become an ICONIC cultural gathering place. It was named the McCallum Theatre after the McCallum Family, who is recognized as one of the most important pioneering families in Palm Springs.
Showcasing its goal of providing a variety of artistic performances, on opening night, Van Cliburn played a new Steinway piano, Lucille Ball caused the theatre to shake with laughter and Sarah Brightman sang a song from Phantom of the Opera one month before it opened on Broadway.
In attendance were Nancy and Ronald Regan, Betty and Gerald Ford and Lenore and Walter Annenberg. The McCallum Theatre’s grand opening sparked whispers throughout the United States—it became the destination for artists to perform. Soon, it was known as one of the top 50 theatres in the United States.
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Courtesy of McCallum Theater.
Courtesy of McCallum Theater.
Education Becomes a Focus
In addition to performances, the “Imagination Education Camp” was launched in 1997 to educate young people about the arts. The camp served to inform hundreds of children for nine summers.
McCallum Theatre Updated
In 2004, the Reflection Garden was added to the property. Jackie and Jim Houston, philanthropists who donated millions of dollars to Coachella Valley, provided $5 million for the plaza that welcomes attendees to the theatre today.
The theatre underwent redecoration in 2010 and has remained unchanged since. However, recently, a state-of-the-art light and sound system has been added that rivals many of those found on New York City’s Broadway stages.
McCallum Theatre Remains Vibrant
With the 12,000-seat Acrisure Area recently opening in Palm Desert, concerns arose that interest in the McCallum Theatre would decline. However, after attending a recent concert by The Righteous Brothers and The Limeliters, the enthusiasm of the sold-out audience illustrates that patrons continue to value the intimacy of a 1,127-seat venue for both theatre and concert performances.
Additionally, education remains a key focus for the board and its membership. To date, more than one million children have been exposed to some aspects of this theatre, whether that be learning about the theatre’s history or attending a concert/event. Locals have the opportunity to be “discovered” through participating in the Open Call for Talent Program, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary.
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Courtesy of McCallum Theater.
The governing board has not lost sight of its mission, which is to entertain, educate and enrich the Coachella Valley community through worldwide performances and critically acclaimed educational experiences and serve as the desert’s premier performing arts center.
This season, the 200 millionth visitor will walk into the grand hallway. The McCallum Theatre is a special place where you can learn, relax and step away from the noise and cares of the outside world.
©2026 ICONIC - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
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