and its short-lived reflecting pool

The Reflecting Pool reflection created this image by the way it reflected the Bowl's concentric circles.

The Reflecting Pool

Circa 1953-1972

From these years, the Hollywood Bowl had a half-moon shaped reflecting pool in front of the stage.  It also came with dancing waters and an elaborate fountain that entertained audiences during the intermission.  They dismantled it because the moisture wreaked havoc with some of the musical instruments.  

Of all the experiments in the Bowl design over the last century, none has inspired more than the 100,000 gallon reflecting pool that once separated the artists and audiences like a moat.  

The iconic reflecting pool under mid-construction.

Circa 1953

The Bowl site's proximity to downtown Hollywood and its magnificent natural acoustics made the name, bowl an obvious choice.  It was around this time the arena got its name the Hollywood "Bowl" thanks to the natural curve in the hillside where the seats are located. The Hollywood Bowl is the first amphitheater in California to be certified as an Audubon Society Coooperative Sanctuary.  The Los Angeles Philharmonic Assocation and the Los Angeles County are partners with the Hollywood Bowl.