Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Premier Event Venue in Santa Monica, CA
The Barker Hangar at Santa Monica Air Center has been a premier destination for entertainment productions and corporate events since 1969. Our 35,000-square-foot hangar features a dramatic 43-foot vaulted ceiling and a versatile 150-by-234-foot cement floor, making it ideal for events ranging from film shoots to gala dinners. With an additional 6,000 square feet of support spaces and 97,000 square feet of exterior areas available, we offer unparalleled flexibility for private and public gatherings. Located just two miles from major freeways and minutes from LAX and coastal communities, our family-owned venue combines historic charm with modern functionality.Our team provides technical expertise and logistical support to ensure seamless execution of events, from intimate meetings to large-scale productions. With a proven track record in hosting awards shows, exhibitions, and retail sales events, we remain committed to delivering exceptional service and adaptable spaces tailored to clients' creative visions.
Services
Event Hosting
Film Production
Private Parties
Corporate Events
Exhibitions
Details
- Year established: 1969
Highlights and features
- Family-owned and operated since 1969 with deep local expertise
- 35,000 sq ft indoor space with 43-foot vaulted ceilings for creative flexibility
- 97,000 sq ft exterior areas available for tenting and support facilities
- Conveniently located near LAX, I-10, and I-405 freeways
- Proven track record hosting film productions, awards shows, and galas
Services
Event Hosting
Our 35,000-square-foot hangar accommodates diverse events with a 43-foot vaulted ceiling and 150-by-234-foot cement floor. Ideal for corporate functions, private parties, and award ceremonies, this space supports up to 3,000 guests. Adjacent 6,000-square-foot support rooms and 97,000-square-foot exterior areas provide additional flexibility for staging and logistics.
Film Production
The hangar serves as a premier location for television production, commercial shoots, and film projects. Its expansive clear-span floor and high ceilings create optimal conditions for set construction and lighting. Available technical infrastructure and proximity to entertainment industry hubs make it a preferred choice for production companies requiring versatile filming environments.
Private Parties
Host weddings, milestone celebrations, or exclusive gatherings in our adaptable venue. The space supports sit-down dinners for 1,600 guests or stand-up events for 3,000 attendees. Outdoor areas accommodate tenting and reception spaces, while the industrial-chic aesthetic provides a dramatic backdrop for memorable social occasions.
Corporate Events
Supporting conferences, product launches, and executive meetings, our venue combines functionality with sophistication. The 35,000-square-foot main space and adjacent conference rooms facilitate presentations, networking, and exhibitions. Technical capabilities and ample parking ensure seamless execution of professional gatherings for organizations of all sizes.
Exhibitions
The hangar's vast open space and flexible layout make it ideal for art exhibitions, design showcases, and trade shows. With 35,000 square feet of interior space and 97,000 square feet of exterior areas, organizers can create immersive experiences while maintaining clear traffic flow for attendees and exhibitors.
People
Judi Barker
Owner / Proprietor
Judi Barker has owned and operated the historic Santa Monica Air Center/Barker Hangar since 1969. As a Southern California native, she maintains the venue's family-owned legacy while ensuring its continued relevance as a premier event space.
Ray Elsesser
Director of Operations
Ray Elsesser manages technical operations at Barker Hangar, providing expert support for event logistics and production requirements. His team ensures seamless execution of technical aspects for clients ranging from film crews to corporate event planners.
Questions
What types of events can be hosted at Barker Hangar?
We accommodate diverse events including corporate functions, film productions, private parties, award ceremonies, art exhibitions, and trade shows in our 35,000-square-foot hangar and outdoor spaces.
What is the maximum capacity for events?
Our venue supports up to 3,000 guests with flexible configurations. This includes 1,600 sit-down dinner capacity or 3,000 stand-up attendees, with options to combine indoor and outdoor spaces.
Are catering facilities available on-site?
We don't have permanent kitchen facilities, but allow temporary food prep areas with approved vendors. Clients must coordinate catering services through licensed third-party providers.
What technical specifications should event planners know?
The main hangar features a 43-foot vaulted ceiling, 150-by-234-foot clear span floor, and 900-amp electrical service. We provide technical support for lighting, sound, and production requirements.
Is parking available for events?
We offer crew parking for 75 vehicles with additional lots available upon request. Parking personnel requirements depend on event attendance and layout specifications.
Reviews (5)
Ash V.
Sep 25, 2021
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Very great art show! The Other Art Fair is an annual L.A event that takes place in the The Barker Hangar event venue in Santa Monica. I always end up getting free tickets, so I always end up going. Today was my second time! 2019 and 2021, since it didn't happen last year due to the pandemic. I loved it! I came by myself, so I spent more time looking at alll the artwork and actually purchasing a few pieces. I'm ready for next year :) Great staff: security guards and crossing guards, and friendly artists who are passionate about the work they hand craft!
Sunny T.
Dec 11, 2019
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Event: Adidas clearance sale
The venue is very nice because it has a lot of space and a lot of parking. The hangar is a perfect size for the adidas sale. The exits and entrances were not too crowded. Parking for this event was very good. I was able to park fairly close to the hangar. One thing I noticed tho is that it is a little old and dusty. Be careful of the dust as your nose and eyes might get irritated.
SUN'S SPOTLIGHT: The hangar has nice acoustics
The venue is very nice because it has a lot of space and a lot of parking. The hangar is a perfect size for the adidas sale. The exits and entrances were not too crowded. Parking for this event was very good. I was able to park fairly close to the hangar. One thing I noticed tho is that it is a little old and dusty. Be careful of the dust as your nose and eyes might get irritated.
SUN'S SPOTLIGHT: The hangar has nice acoustics
Ken Mann
Nov 27, 2019
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A small Flying Museum, and today (Saturday March 23, 2019) an Art Fair and food trucks
Eclectic offerings: sculpture, oils, water colors, chalk. A perfect, brisk spring day.
Eclectic offerings: sculpture, oils, water colors, chalk. A perfect, brisk spring day.
Brock Bell
Oct 04, 2019
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Super cool space. Depends on the event how great the experience is going to be. Sometimes it's way over crowded, other times it's ideal and a perfect secluded 'get away'.
Elena K.
Sep 09, 2019
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I have attended PhotoLA ehxibit there. The parking is a little difficult. And the entrance to the building was located on the back of the Hangar. The price to attend the show was about $20 for a day and $20 for parking. I felt both fees were a little too much. A good experience of you want to look and admire. I would rather see a movie next time.
