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For more than 50 years, the Veterans' Memorial Auditorium has been a cultural gathering place for Marin. -
Marin Veterans' Memorial Auditorium prior to closing in June 2023. -
Veterans' Memorial Auditorium Building Systems Upgrades process photo (Photo: January 2026) -
Musicians perform in front of the Veterans' Memorial Auditorium during the Marin County Fair. (Photo: 1980s) -
Construction workers pour parking lot concrete for the new Veterans' Memorial Auditorium in 1971 in preparation for the first Marin County Fair at the Civic Center Fairgrounds (Photo credit: John Arms, 1971) -
Veterans' Memorial Auditorium to reopen in January 2027
For more than 50 years, the Veterans' Memorial Auditorium has been more than just a building. It’s been a cultural gathering place for Marin. A place where kids and local musicians took the stage for the first time alongside some of the nation’s most enduring performers. The VMA has meant a great deal to the Marin community, and we know how hard it’s been to see it quiet for so long. If you’ve felt impatient, or even a little miffed, you’re not alone.
The renovation began with critical seismic work to make sure the building could safely serve Marin for decades to come. Along the way, that work uncovered deeper issues inherent in a 50-year-old structure: a subgrade settlement, aging drainage and sewer lines, and hidden damage that couldn’t be responsibly ignored. None of this was part of the original plan, but it had to be addressed if we were ever to reopen.
But while the curtain has been drawn, quite a bit has been happening behind it. We’re reconstructing the lobby floor, renovating restrooms, replacing the orchestra pit lift, upgrading heating and air conditioning, overhauling the electrical systems, and installing a new sound system. Some of it isn't glamorous work. But it’s foundational work that ensures events can continue safely and comfortably.
We know it’s taken longer than anyone hoped, but this work can’t be rushed. The Auditorium will reopen while the renovation continues in phases. And when the lights come back on, and the curtain rises, you can be confident this place will serve all of Marin, and the generations to come, the way it was always meant to.
VMA50 - Share Your Memory
Celebrating 50 Years of Milestone Moments: share a memory, photo, or short video that captures what the Veterans' Memorial Auditorium means to you.
For half a century, the Veterans' Memorial Auditorium (VMA) has brought Marin together—concerts, graduations, community performances, civic events, and everything in between. Help us honor this legacy by sharing a memory, photo, or short video that captures what the VMA means to you via this VMA50 story submission form.
Share Your Memory Frequently Asked Questions
We’re collecting photos, videos, and written stories that capture your experiences and memories at the Veterans' Memorial Auditorium (VMA) — from concerts and graduations to performances, civic events, and personal milestones.
Share what made the moment special, who was there, and how it felt to be part of Marin’s history.
Anyone with a memory connected to the Veterans’ Memorial Auditorium is welcome to submit!
You can share as an attendee, performer, staff member, or community partner.
If you’re under 18, a parent or guardian must submit your story on your behalf.
Use our online form to upload:
- A short written story (up to 500 words)
- Optional photos or a short video (under 3 minutes)
You can submit up to three files (photo, video, or audio).
Submissions without a completed online form will not be accepted.
Only one (1) submission per individual can be entered.
Submissions by a minor (under 18) must include a parent or guardian’s signature.
All submissions must be original. You or your child must be the creator of the submissions, i.e., the submission must be your own original concept and not a copy of anyone else's material. This includes copyrighted and unauthorized derivative works.
In light of the evolving understanding of AI and the ambiguity regarding its copyright, any submission that relies heavily on generative fill or is entirely AI-generated is prohibited. Digital images and photographs may be altered or manipulated, but you must be the originator or have obtained the proper permissions. If your image infringes upon another's copyright, it will not be used.
Great stories:
- Focus on a specific moment or event at the VMA
- Include sensory details (what you saw, heard, or felt)
- Share why that moment mattered to you
- Are brief (aim for one to two paragraphs, or a 3-minute video)
You don’t have to be a professional storyteller — we just want your authentic voice!
Accepted file types:
- Photos: JPG, PNG (up to 10 MB each)
- Video: MP4 or MOV (up to 200 MB, 3 minutes max)
- Audio: MP3 (up to 20 MB)
If your file is large, try reducing its size using your device’s built-in editing tools or a free online compressor.
Yes, but please make sure anyone recognizable has given you permission to share their image or name.
For minors (under 18), parent/guardian consent is required before submitting.
By submitting, you grant the County of Marin permission to share your content for public information and celebration — such as:
- Display on the Marin Center website or social media
- Feature in anniversary exhibits or printed materials
You retain ownership of your story, photo, or video — this just gives us permission to share it with the community
All submissions will be reviewed by County staff. While not every story can be featured publicly, all will be appreciated and contribute to our 50-year legacy archive.
If your story is selected, we’ll notify you before it’s shared.
Yes. If you’d like your story removed or updated, email us with your name and submission details.
If you have questions or trouble uploading, please email us or call 415-473-6398. We’re happy to help guide you through the process.