Venues

The Sunset Cultural Center
A Little History: Established in the 1930’s, the Sunset Cultural Center was originally built as the Carmel Sunset School. In the 1960’s, the city of Carmel bought the complex and
converted it into a community and cultural center. In 2003, a complete renovation and reconstruction was completed at a cost of $21.4 million, bringing the facility into the 21st century in both comfort and technology. Today the Sunset Center is a state-of-the-art complex.The distinctive, Gothic inspired arches of the theater ceiling, previously an acoustical nightmare, had been transformed into graceful, acoustically transparent, perforated-metal ribs. The new, enlarged stage area and proscenium arch could now accommodate a full orchestra and chorus. Notable performances from Jose Carreras, Garrison Keillor,Wynton Marsalis, Keb’Mo’, Judy Collins, and an assortment of other acts are now a regular occurrence at the theater.

Sunset Center Theater
Some Technical Facts: The Sunset Center is located near the heart of Carmel-by-the-Sea, only three blocks from Ocean Avenue. The theater offers a stage large enough to accommodate every kind of live entertainment event, including ensemble and chamber music, modern dance and classical ballet, vocalists and jazz combo performances, musicals, and a full orchestra and chorus. The auditorium includes 718 seats including 48 that are permanently attached to a seat wagon that rolls under the main seating area for storage in order to use the orchestra pit or thrust stage. Lighting and sound systems include a state-of-the-art acoustical enhancement system for optimal fidelity during a performance. A fully-furnished Green Room with a kitchen, dressing rooms, and Rehearsal/Dance studio space completes the backstage accommodations.  There are additional lecture rooms and conference rooms which will be used to show films. Combined with enormous courtyards and flag stonepatios, the Sunset Cultural Center is the perfect setting for the Carmel Art & Film Festival.