Originally conceived as the Apollo Theater, the iconic golden-domed structure in Reno ultimately became known as the Pioneer Theater-Auditorium, a name inspired by the statue of a pioneer family, “HUMANITY,” gracing its front plaza. This statue, a 1939 creation by sculptor Byron S. Johnson, had been relocated from the old State Building, which was demolished in 1966 to pave the way for this new cultural landmark. Today, this beloved venue is recognized as the Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts, a cornerstone of Reno’s cultural scene.
The 1960s marked a period of significant growth and cultural development for Reno and many American cities. There was a burgeoning need for facilities that could cater to both the performing arts and the expanding convention industry. The Pioneer Theater-Auditorium was envisioned to fulfill both roles. Early planning, however, encountered a debate regarding location – downtown versus south of town. This was ingeniously resolved by developing two separate facilities: the Centennial Coliseum, now the Reno-Sparks Convention Center situated south of Reno, and the Pioneer Theater-Auditorium, strategically positioned downtown at 100 S. Virginia Street, ensuring accessibility and prominence.
The architectural design of the Pioneer Center Reno was entrusted to Bozalis, Dickinson, and Roloff, an Oklahoma City firm renowned for their domed structures. A defining feature of the Pioneer Center is its magnificent gold-anodized aluminum geodesic dome, composed of 500 individual panels. Remarkably, the roof is a dome within a dome – featuring an exterior aluminum dome and an interior steel frame dome. This inner steel dome provides essential support for catwalks, the sprinkler system, and the lobby ceiling, showcasing innovative engineering and design. The dome’s construction was undertaken by Temcor, a company from Torrance, California, which later applied their dome-building expertise to the iconic Silver Legacy Hotel Casino in Reno.
The choice of a geodesic dome was a bold and forward-thinking decision, reflecting Reno’s optimistic outlook on cultural advancement during the mid-1960s. This architectural concept, championed by visionary architect, designer, inventor, and futurist Richard Buckminster Fuller, was considered radical and represented the city’s confidence in its burgeoning future. William Gravelle, chairman of the Washoe County Fair and Recreation Board in 1964, enthusiastically presented the idea of an aluminum dome convention hall to the board, describing it as “revolutionary and beautiful in appearance.”
Upon its completion, the Pioneer Theater-Auditorium garnered widespread acclaim from Nevada officials, celebrated for its distinctive architectural style and its anticipated role as a central hub for the community. Today, the Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts has become precisely that – a vital performing arts venue hosting Broadway shows, concerts, and a diverse range of performances, enriching Reno’s cultural landscape. Its unique architectural aesthetic has also earned it a beloved, if whimsical, nickname: “the Golden Turtle.” Recognizing its historical and cultural significance, the Pioneer Center is proudly listed in the National Register of Historic Places, the Nevada State Register of Historic Places, and the Reno Register of Historic Places, solidifying its place as a treasured landmark in Reno.
