When you think of Reno, Nevada, bright lights and bustling casinos might first come to mind. However, nestled in downtown Reno is a unique architectural gem with a rich history: the Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts, originally known as the Pioneer Theater-Auditorium. This golden-domed structure has been a cultural cornerstone of the city for decades, offering a stage for a variety of performances and holding a special place in the hearts of Reno residents.
Initially conceived as the Apollo Theater upon its completion in December 1967, the building was ultimately named the Pioneer Theater-Auditorium. This name was inspired by the striking statue, “HUMANITY,” depicting a pioneer family, which graces the plaza in front of the center. Sculpted by Byron S. Johnson in 1939, this artwork had previously stood at the old State Building before being relocated when the older building was demolished in 1966 to make way for the new theater. The statue serves as a poignant reminder of Reno’s pioneering spirit and history, perfectly complementing the theater’s name.
The 1960s were a period of significant growth and development for Reno and many other American cities. There was a growing need for facilities that could host both performing arts events and the burgeoning convention industry. Reno aimed to meet these needs, but debates arose regarding the ideal location for such a venue – downtown or further south. This political contention was ingeniously resolved by deciding to construct two separate facilities. The Centennial Coliseum, now known as the Reno-Sparks Convention Center, was built south of Reno, while the Pioneer Theater-Auditorium took its place in the heart of downtown at 100 S. Virginia Street. This strategic decision ensured that both the downtown area and the growing southern parts of Reno could benefit from new civic amenities.
The architectural design of the Pioneer Theater-Auditorium was entrusted to Bozalis, Dickinson, and Roloff, an architectural firm from Oklahoma City known for their work on domed structures. The Pioneer Center’s most distinctive feature is its breathtaking gold-anodized aluminum geodesic dome. Comprising 500 individual panels, the dome is actually a sophisticated structure of two domes in one: an exterior aluminum dome and an interior steel frame dome. This inner steel dome provides crucial support for the building’s infrastructure, including catwalks, the sprinkler system, and the elegant lobby ceiling. The construction of this impressive dome was undertaken by Temcor, a company based in Torrance, California, which later applied their dome-building expertise to the iconic dome at the Silver Legacy Hotel Casino in Reno.
The selection of a geodesic dome design was a bold and forward-thinking choice. This architectural concept was championed by Richard Buckminster Fuller, a visionary architect, designer, inventor, and futurist. Reno’s embrace of such a radical design for its new theater in the mid-1960s reflects the city’s remarkable optimism and confidence in its future cultural development. Local government officials, like William Gravelle, chairman of the Washoe County Fair and Recreation Board, who proposed the aluminum dome convention hall in 1964, saw it as “revolutionary and beautiful in appearance.” This innovative design choice underscored Reno’s commitment to making a statement and establishing itself as a modern and culturally progressive city.
Upon its completion, the Pioneer Theater-Auditorium was met with widespread acclaim from Nevada officials and the public alike. Its unique architectural style and its intended role as a vibrant community hub were both highly praised. Over time, the theater, now officially named the Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts, has become exactly that – a vital performing arts venue that regularly hosts Broadway shows, concerts, and a diverse range of other performances, enriching the cultural life of Reno. Its striking golden dome has also earned it a beloved, if slightly whimsical, nickname: “the Golden Turtle.” Recognizing its architectural and cultural significance, the Pioneer Center has been honored with listings on the National Register of Historic Places, the Nevada State Register of Historic Places, and the Reno Register of Historic Places, solidifying its status as a cherished landmark in Reno, Nevada.
