Arts, Sports and Other Doors Are Open to Visitors

You’ve probably seen a play or two recently, but have you gone backstage to learn how the production was put together?

Have you occasionally wondered what goes on at a race track when the horses aren’t at the gate?

Undoubtedly you’ve been rattled by an earthquake or two; wouldn’t you like to know how they are tracked and recorded?

It is possible to get a behind-the-scenes look at these and other activities. Here’s just a sampling of opportunities available in the Southland.

Biltmore Hotel--One-hour tour covers the main areas and the history of the hotel. Upon request, guest rooms, special suites and the kitchen may also be viewed. The hotel is at 506 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. Contact: Concierge department, (213) 624-1011. No charge. Reservations required.

California Institute of Technology--Free one-hour tours of the campus, with student tour guides, meet at 315 S. Hill Ave., Pasadena; tours start at 3 p.m. on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays, at 11 a.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. You’ll see student housing, faculty areas and some laboratories, including the world-famous seismology lab where earthquakes are measured. For details, call (818) 356-6328.

Theater--Pasadena Playhouse, 39 S. El Molino Ave., Pasadena, offers a free tour on the second Saturday of each month from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. These tours are led by members of Pasadena Playhouse Alumni and Associates, whose memories and anecdotes add a special flavor. For reservations, call Carmelita Wayne, (818) 763-4597. Daily group tours can also be arranged. An 11 a.m.-5 p.m. open house is scheduled July 9 as part of the ongoing 70th anniversary celebration of the historic playhouse. Nearer the date, call (818) 356-7529 for information. Department of Water and Power--Observe a state-of-the-art, six-step water-treatment process from screening to chlorination at the Los Angeles Aqueduct Filtration Plant, 13101 Sepulveda Blvd., Sylmar. The plant treats approximately 75% of Los Angeles’ water supply. One-hour tours are available Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturdays 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Reservations required. Call (818) 367-5907.

Ritz-Carlton Hotel--Two tours. Art in Bloom, a walk through the hotel’s beautiful gardens with the landscape manager, is available every Wednesday at 10 a.m. The Floral Tour, in which the highlights of the hotel’s stunning displays are described by their creators, is offered Thursdays at 10 a.m. Free. The hotel is at 33533 Ritz-Carlton Drive, Laguna Niguel, (714) 240-2000. Sign-ups must be made with the concierge by 3 p.m. one day in advance.

Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum--You’ll get a tour that lasts about an hour or so and is personally conducted by former football great Ollie Matson. See the locker room, press box, tunnel walk, Court of Honor, infield, instant replay screen, time clock and more; cost is $5 per person. The Coliseum is at 3911 S. Figueroa St., Los Angeles, off Interstate 110. Call Matson at (213) 747-7111 for reservations and details; tours generally leave on the hour. (If there is nothing going on in the Coliseum and you just want to walk around on your own, there is a $1 gate fee.) (

Santa Anita Race Track--From 7:30 to 9:30 a.m., workouts are open to the public every racing day, with viewing from trackside or from the infield; tram tours of the stable area are available only on racing weekends (same hours). Ten Clydesdales and a six-horse hitch are on view at the West Paddock Gardens. All free. Free parking at Gate 8. No reservations. Breakfast is available. The track is off Interstate 210 (Baldwin Avenue exit) at 285 W. Huntington Drive in Arcadia. Call (818) 574-7223.

Rose Parade floats--After Dec. 25, you can observe the decorating of the floats themselves at various locations. After about Nov. 1, call (818) 449-7673 for details and directions to float decorators (some of whom may charge a small fee). Picture taking allowed. You can also watch, at no charge, the Rose Bowl playing field being painted for the game. No reservations necessary.

Television station--KCET, 4401 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, has tours available Tuesday and Thursday mornings. It’s a technical tour, so don’t expect to see any PBS specials being taped (sets are closed to the public during taping). Visiting groups see the studio, stages, production control and related areas. Children taking the tour must be in sixth grade or higher. Free. Call the KCET Volunteer Center, (213) 667-9242, for reservations.

Hollywood Bowl--Walking tours of the Bowl and its museum, both at 2301 N. Highland Ave., Hollywood. Museum offers a 20-minute video on history of the Bowl. A temporary exhibit (changed yearly), “A Bowl for All Nations,” features musical instruments from around the world and a listening room where you can hear the instruments played. The tour of the theater includes seating and stage area. Tours are Monday-Friday and reservations are required (maximum 35 people). Telephone (213) 850-2059. Free. There is a gift shop.