When the Pioneer Theater-Auditorium first opened its doors in December 1967, it almost carried the name Apollo Theater. Ultimately, this iconic, gold-domed structure became known as the Pioneer Theater-Auditorium, a tribute to the “HUMANITY” statue of a pioneer family gracing its front plaza. This statue, sculpted by Byron S. Johnson in 1939, was relocated from the old State Building, which was demolished in 1966 to pave the way for this new cultural landmark.
The 1960s were a period of significant growth and development for Reno and many other cities across the United States. There was a burgeoning need for facilities dedicated to both the performing arts and the expanding convention industry. The Pioneer Theater-Auditorium was conceived to fulfill both roles. However, a debate arose concerning its ideal location – downtown versus the southern outskirts of the city. This was resolved by strategically deciding to construct two separate venues: the Centennial Coliseum, now known as the Reno-Sparks Convention Center, to the south of Reno, and the Pioneer Theater-Auditorium, centrally located in downtown at 100 S. Virginia Street. This decision ensured that both the performing arts and convention needs of the city would be adequately met.
The architectural vision for the Pioneer Theater-Auditorium was entrusted to Bozalis, Dickinson, and Roloff, an architectural firm based in Oklahoma City renowned for their expertise in designing domed structures. The Pioneer Center’s most striking feature is its gold-anodized aluminum geodesic dome, composed of an intricate network of 500 individual panels. This dome is actually a sophisticated double-dome construction, featuring an exterior aluminum dome and an interior steel frame dome. The inner steel dome provides essential support for the building’s infrastructure, including catwalks, the sprinkler system, and the elegant lobby ceiling. The construction of this remarkable dome was undertaken by Temcor, a company from Torrance, California, which later applied their dome-building expertise to the Silver Legacy Hotel Casino, further cementing Reno’s architectural landscape with dome structures.
Alt text: The golden geodesic dome of the Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts Reno, showcasing its unique architectural design.
The choice of a geodesic dome design for the Pioneer Center was a bold and forward-thinking decision, deeply rooted in the innovative concepts of Richard Buckminster Fuller, a visionary architect, designer, inventor, and futurist. Embracing Fuller’s revolutionary architectural style underscored Reno’s confident stride into a new era of cultural advancement during the mid-1960s. Local government officials at the time held an optimistic view of Reno’s trajectory, demonstrating their willingness to embrace radical and innovative choices for this new cultural venue. William Gravelle, then chairman of the Washoe County Fair and Recreation Board, championed the aluminum dome concept in 1964, presenting it to the board as “revolutionary and beautiful in appearance,” highlighting its potential to become a defining feature of Reno.
Upon its completion, the Pioneer Theater-Auditorium was met with widespread acclaim from Nevada public officials. They lauded its distinctive architectural style and recognized its pivotal role in becoming a central hub for the community. Today, known as the Pioneer Center For The Performing Arts Reno, it stands as a vital performing arts venue, consistently hosting Broadway shows, concerts, and a diverse range of performances, enriching Reno’s cultural landscape. Its unique architectural identity has also earned it a beloved nickname within the community: “the Golden Turtle.” Further solidifying its significance, the Pioneer Center is proudly listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Nevada State Register of Historic Places, and the Reno Register of Historic Places, ensuring its preservation and recognition for generations to come.
