About Ralph and Goldy Lewis Hall
Ralph and Goldy Lewis Hall is an academic building on the University Park campus of the University of Southern California, serving as the home of the USC Sol Price School of Public Policy . Located at 650 Childs Way, Los Angeles , this modern four-story facility houses classrooms, conference rooms and faculty offices for the Price School and institutes like the USC Lusk Center. It is named for philanthropists Ralph and Goldy Lewis, whose charitable giving (through the Lewis Group) has funded USC and regional civic initiatives. Lewis Hall is notable not as a traditional theater or concert venue, but as a hub for policy education and public discourse in Los Angeles. Its design is functional and contemporary, with glass-walled classrooms and an open courtyard, reflecting its purpose as a learning space. For example, one large lecture room (RGL 101) can seat roughly 80–100 people , while smaller classrooms and meeting rooms hold a few dozen each.
The building’s name highlights its importance: it represents USC’s investment in public policy and urban planning. Unlike entertainment venues, Lewis Hall’s significance comes from the ideas discussed inside. It has no permanent stage or orchestra pit, but instead features well-equipped lecture halls (with built-in audio/visual systems) and breakout rooms. The architecture emphasizes daylight and open sightlines, supporting the academic environment. On the USC campus, Lewis Hall anchors the Price School community. Students, faculty and visiting leaders gather here regularly. The Pennsylvania Avenue style roof and brick facade fit into USC’s mix of historic and modern buildings. In short, Lewis Hall is notable for being the dedicated space for USC’s top-ranked public policy programs and a venue for civic engagement, rather than for glitzy concerts or sports events.
Events and Programming
Ralph and Goldy Lewis Hall hosts a variety of scholarly and community events, especially those tied to public policy, urban planning and real estate. You will find regular academic seminars, panel discussions, lectures and career events here. For example, the USC Lusk Center for Real Estate jointly holds policy forums and research workshops in Lewis Hall, and the Price School itself schedules weekly talks on economics, transportation or environmental planning. In Spring 2025, Lewis Hall Auditorium (Room 101) was the site of a public conversation on Los Angeles rebuilding after wildfires, co-sponsored by USC Lusk and the Price School www.ticketfairy.com . The hall also hosts advisory board meetings, alumni gatherings and even internal receptions (such as the Trojan Family Weekend reception held in the Franklin Courtyard of Lewis Hall in fall 2023 ).
Almost all events at Lewis Hall are academic or USC-related; you won’t find rock concerts or Broadway shows here. Instead, typical programs include: weekly research seminars by Price School faculty; guest lectures by government or industry leaders; panel discussions on issues like housing, transportation or public finance; and student conferences or social mixers. Many visiting scholars and city officials speak here. For instance, a 2025 seminar on urban zoning and segregation was held in Room 101 . Event frequency varies – some days have multiple Price School talks or classes, other days are quiet. Public events are often free or low-cost; some require registration through USC or affiliated organizations. Ticket price ranges, when tickets are used at all, tend to be minimal (often free), since most programs are educational and grant-supported. When non-USC groups co-sponsor an event (like the RE|STRUCTURED News collaboration on the wildfire panel www.ticketfairy.com ), any tickets are usually obtained online in advance.
Tickets and Booking
Because Lewis Hall is primarily an academic venue, there is no public box office on site. Most campus events at Lewis Hall either admit walk-ins or require advance RSVP. If an event has limited space, organizers typically use USC’s event calendar or a registration link. For example, the April 2025 wildfire recovery discussion was listed on the USC events calendar and on external event sites (with free tickets that quickly sold out) www.ticketfairy.com . Visitors usually do not “buy” tickets for Lewis Hall events at a ticket window – instead, they register online through the hosting department or partner organization. USC Price often handles registration via its website or by request to the department.
Popular lectures and panels can fill up, so the best strategy is to watch the USC Price or USC Dornsife event pages and sign up early. The Price School’s website and email list often announce events 1–2 weeks in advance. Occasionally, campus partners will sell tickets through systems like Ticket Fairy or Eventbrite (as was the case for the wildfire panel), but these are linked from official announcements. There are generally no late “door sales” if an event reaches capacity – in fact, Price School policy emphasizes that classrooms and halls must remain uncluttered and orderly (including trash removal) . It’s wise to arrive early on event day to check in; staff or volunteers may scan a registration barcode or simple sign-in sheet at the lecture hall entrance. If any fees are charged, they tend to be very modest (often just to cover refreshments), but most Price School events are entirely free, especially for students and alumni of USC.
Seating and Layout
The interior of Lewis Hall is set up like a modern university building. Lecture Room 101 on the first floor is the main “auditorium” with fixed rows of comfortable lecture seats (including a few wheelchair locations). This room can seat about 80–100 people . If you attend an event in Room 101, the best seats are usually in the central rows; the acoustics and sight lines are designed more for speech than entertainment, so sitting too far back can make viewing small text on the projection screen harder. Side and rear sections still have good views for most presentations, but front-center seats ensure the clearest audio and eye contact with the speaker.
Smaller rooms in Lewis Hall (for example, Rooms 100, 102 or 111 on the lower levels) are used for classes and workshops. These have movable chairs around tables or in a semicircle. The atmosphere there is more like a classroom. Upper floors contain conference-style meeting rooms – notably RGL 304 and 308 on the third floor – which are reserved for faculty meetings and VIP gatherings . These rooms have their own tables and exec chairs and would only be used for events if booked as special breakout spaces. In general, there is no general admission area or inexpensive “standing room”; all seating is assigned or first-come inside the room. There are no special VIP sections, aside from the front rows sometimes set aside for honored guests or interviewees. Acoustically, the rooms use installed speakers and podium mics; the built-in PA is sufficient for talk-level volumes but not for amplified music. One thing to note is that food and drink are not allowed inside the classrooms , so if an event serves refreshments it will typically do so in the lobby or Franklin Courtyard (outside). In summary, Lewis Hall’s layout is typical of a college classroom building: rows of seating in the largest hall, smaller meeting tables elsewhere, and an uncluttered stage area at the front of the main lecture hall.
Getting There and Parking
Ralph and Goldy Lewis Hall is located on USC’s main campus, just south of Childs Way and east of Figueroa Street. Its address (650 Childs Way) puts it a few blocks east of the USC University Village shopping/dining complex. Travelers approaching by car often use the southbound I-110 (Harbor Freeway) and exit at Adams Boulevard or Jefferson Boulevard. From the freeway, USC’s Visitor Center recommends entering campus via Gate 3 on Figueroa Street if you have an official parking permit . However, for general visitors, campus parking is limited. There is no dedicated Lewis Hall lot, so you’ll typically use USC visitor parking. On event days, the Price School may arrange guest parking in the nearby Village or general lots (but check in advance). Otherwise, you may find metered street parking on Childs, Figueroa or 32nd Street. Be mindful of USC permit zones – after 5pm some campus parking is free, but daytime meters on public streets usually require payment or a parking app. Ride-hailing drop-offs are common near the building entrance on Childs Way.
Public transit is a convenient option for USC. The Metro E Line (Expo) light rail stops at the Expo Park/USC Station (Figueroa and Exposition Boulevard), about a 10–15 minute walk north to Lewis Hall along Figueroa. Several LA Metro Bus lines also serve USC: for example, Metro Bus 81 on Figueroa Street and Metro Bus 38 on Jefferson Boulevard both stop near campus. The DASH F (Downtown/USC) shuttle stops regularly on Broadway and Figueroa, a few blocks north. There are also commuter express buses (like routes 204/754 on Vermont) that pass within a 10-minute walk. If coming from LAX or Hollywood, note that the Metro also has a dedicated line (the Silver Line or bus 550) from those areas to near USC (Artesia Transit Center to downtown Union Station) which can connect to local buses. In all cases, once you arrive at USC, follow campus wayfinding: Lewis Hall (sometimes labeled “RGL” on maps and schedules) is just east of the Price School building (VPD code), and across from USC’s Alumni Center and University Club on Childs Way.
Inside the Venue
Expect a professional yet casual academic atmosphere inside Lewis Hall. Entry to events is typically through the main doors off Childs Way. Depending on the event, there may be a welcome table or volunteer to check registrations, or you may simply walk into the lecture hall. There is no general security pat-down or bag check for most Price School events, though USC does expect visitors to follow campus rules. Coat racks are not provided, so bring any coats or bags with you into the room. Restrooms and water fountains are located on each floor near the stairwells. Indeed, USC ensures all areas are ADA-accessible: there are elevators to reach every floor and wheelchair-accessible seating in the lecture hall. All classrooms and halls are equipped with Wi-Fi (the USC public network) and integrated technology – in fact, every room has built-in video conferencing gear for hybrid events .
Inside Lewis Hall, you’ll find only USC signage and branding. There is no on-site concession stand or store, though the Price School may leave out flyers or brochures during events. If an event provides refreshments, they’ll be in the lobby or the outside courtyard, not inside the lecture space. Keep in mind that, per Price School policy, no food or drink is allowed in the rooms – used cups and trash must be taken out after an event. Attendees often bring only a notebook or laptop; power outlets are available on the front wall of large room and charging stations in hallways. Photography is usually discouraged during lectures unless the speaker has given permission, so it’s courteous to leave phones on silent and avoid flash. Overall, expect Lewis Hall to feel like a modern college lecture building: clean, well-lit, and quiet (aside from speakers and audience questions).
Nearby Amenities
When planning your visit, consider dining and accommodation options near USC. The USC Village (a short walk west from Lewis Hall) offers numerous eateries – from fast-casual (Starbucks, In-N-Out Burger, Tender Greens, Chipotle) to sit-down restaurants (Lemonade, basic vegetarian options, etc.). There are also bars and cafes at the Village for a post-event coffee or snack. If you’re looking for a sit-down dinner or drinks farther afield, try the neighboring Exposition Park/University Park area: for example, restaurants along Jefferson Boulevard or pub-style places on Figueroa near campus are popular. If you arrive early, the Freeman Library (on campus) has a quiet café. USC’s campus center (Ronald Tutor Center) also houses dining halls open to guests for a fee (check USC Hospitality for hours).
For visitors from out of town, there are several hotels near USC. On-campus is the USC Hotel (a Marriott), located by Gould School (free shuttle to main campus). Just northwest of campus are multiple chains: a Hilton Garden Inn and a Travelodge near the Coliseum, as well as a smaller boutique stay. Downtown Los Angeles hotels (like near DTLA) are 5–10 minutes drive north. If you prefer walking, check out TripAdvisor for “Hotels near USC University Park”. If you plan to arrive much earlier or stay late, note that USC campus does not have a very active nightlife. The Metro Expo line runs until about midnight on weekdays and later on weekends, and there are 24-hour rideshares available. So if attending an evening lecture, you can safely walk to the nearest transit stop or pick up an Uber from campus. In general, allow extra time before events to eat (if needed) and to navigate campus, and after events to get a car or transit service from USC back to home or hotel.
What Makes This Venue Special
Lewis Hall stands out not for ornate architecture or historic significance, but for its role in Los Angeles’s civic life. Named after Ralph and Goldy Lewis (developers turned philanthropists) , it embodies USC’s connection to urban development and public policy. It is one of the few dedicated public policy schools in Southern California, and this building is its centerpiece. Cultural significance comes from the conversations inside – issues like affordable housing, infrastructure, and social services – which have a real impact on L.A. For example, climate and wildfire recovery experts gathered here in 2025 to plan city resiliency www.ticketfairy.com . Alumni and faculty often say Lewis Hall has the “Trojan spirit” of civic engagement, where scholars and policymakers meet. It also links USC’s academic resources (such as the Lusk Center’s real estate research) to real-world challenges. For visitors, that means you might see local news reporters or city council members attending events here. While Lewis Hall never “releases” rock stars or Broadway actors, it has hosted many influential figures – judges, mayors, CEOs – sharing knowledge.
Inside, some locals appreciate the building’s understated gallery of public art (Price School often rotates student posters and infographics in the hallways) and a notable portrait of USC founder Judge Wilson in the lobby. Outside, Lewis Hall sometimes hosts USC traditions: on game days, tailgate parties spill into the Franklin Courtyard between Lewis Hall and the adjacent VPD (Verne and Gladys Price) building, making it a hub of campus life . In winter, the courtyard is decked with lights for USC’s Noel celebrations. These historic moments – like commencement speeches by Price deans or centennial lectures – are the highlights of Lewis Hall’s legacy. Both students and visiting guests often remark that attending a Lewis Hall event feels like stepping into the “brain trust” of L.A.: between talking with faculty, sampling local food trucks outside, or walking campus’s leafy pathways, it’s an experience unlike a typical concert. In short, what makes this venue special is its focus on idea-sharing and its link to USC’s community impact – an academic haven where Los Angeles’s future is discussed rather than performed.
Visitor Tips and Information
Accessibility: As a relatively new campus building, Lewis Hall is fully ADA-compliant. All floors are reachable by elevator, and each classroom has wheelchair-accessible seating. Restrooms include unisex and accessible stalls. The USC campus offers a mobility shuttle (Trax) during weekdays that can drop off visitors right in front of Lewis Hall. Guests with disabilities should look for the elevator lobby labeled on each floor or ask the Price School office (Room 312, phone (213) 740-0350 ) to confirm facilities. Sign language interpreters or captioning can usually be arranged in advance for Price School lectures by contacting the event organizers.
What to Bring: Most events do not have a coat check, so bring only what you need. A notepad, laptop or tablet is fine in the lecture halls. Since no food is allowed in the rooms , you can bring a bottle of water (in a spill-proof container) or plan to step outside if you need a snack. If attending multiple sessions, it helps to carry an umbrella (the courtyard is exposed) or a light jacket (rooms can be cool). There are USB charging ports at the front of Room 101 and public outlets in the lounges if your device battery runs low.
Common Policies: Lewis Hall is smoke-free and no weapons are allowed, per USC and California law. Never block exits or leave items behind. Baggy items may be subject to inspection if security is present. Photography and recording policies vary: generally, speakers are recorded for the University archives via Zoom or classroom cameras, but audience recording requires permission. Cell phones should be silenced and no flash photography is allowed during talks. Dress is casual to business casual; you will fit in wearing anything from jeans and a USC hoodie to a polo shirt or blouse. USC has no strict dress code for Price School events, but err on the side of neat business attire for formal lectures or career functions.
Common Mistakes: Don’t assume free parking – double-check lot restrictions. Arriving late can be disruptive in a classroom setting, so give yourself 10–15 extra minutes for campus navigation. If a session is full, ask the event staff if they maintain a standby list. Bringing small children is uncommon; many events (like technical seminars) may not be child-appropriate (some even list “Ages 15+” on notice). If in doubt, confirm the event’s target audience – many Price gatherings welcome only college students, alumni, or professionals. Finally, always carry your ID: USC occasionally requires guest registration, especially in the COVID era, and events often expect you to sign in with a name and email.
How do I find Ralph and Goldy Lewis Hall?
Lewis Hall is on the USC University Park campus at 650 Childs Way, Los Angeles, CA. It’s east of Figueroa Street and just south of Exposition Boulevard. (Some maps label it RGL Hall.) If arriving by car without a permit, use on-campus visitor parking nearby or pay-meter parking on Childs or 32nd Street. By transit, take the Metro Expo Line to the Expo Park/USC station and walk north on Figueroa, or take local buses (for example, Metro 81 on Figueroa or DASH F - Downtown/USC route). Uber/Lyft drop-offs can pull up on Childs Way in front of Lewis Hall.
What is the seating capacity of Lewis Hall?
The largest room, RGL 101, holds roughly 80–100 attendees. For instance, a Price School course listing shows 77 of 100 seats filled in RGL 101 . Smaller classrooms (RGL 100, 102, etc.) seat a few dozen. If attending a performance or talk, reserve a seat close to the center aisle for the best sightlines and audio. In short, it’s not a huge theater – think large lecture hall rather than stadium.
What types of events are held at Lewis Hall?
Events are mostly academic and USC-related: public policy lectures, research seminars, panel discussions, academic conferences, and USC Price School receptions. For example, discussions on urban planning or economics often take place here. On-campus alumni or family events (like Trojan Family Weekend receptions) are also common. You won’t find concerts or plays here. Check USC Price’s calendar for topics like economics, education, and city planning, or USC Lusk Center for real estate forums www.ticketfairy.com .
How can I get tickets or register for an event?
There is no on-site box office. Most events at Lewis Hall are free or low-cost. To attend, look for announcements on the USC Price School or USC events website (and sometimes on partner sites like Ticket Fairy). You typically register online with USC or the sponsoring organization. If an event requires tickets, the website will explain how to get them. Walk-ins are fine for many seminars, but for big events it’s best to RSVP in advance since space is limited .
Where can I park when visiting Lewis Hall?
Visitor parking on USC’s campus is limited. If your event host hasn’t arranged a permit or lot, you might try the USC Village pay garages (southern Village lots) or find street parking on Childs, Figueroa, or nearby side streets. Meters on Childs and 32nd Street charge during daytime hours. Some lots on the perimeter of campus sell day passes. Many visitors skip driving and use Metro (see above), because parking fees and enforcement are strict during weekdays.
Is Lewis Hall wheelchair accessible?
Yes. Lewis Hall has ramps and elevators to reach every floor. There are accessible restrooms on each level and wheelchair-designated seating in RGL 101. Entry doors are wide and typically automatic. If you have mobility needs, feel free to use any passenger elevator (marked on the directory) and take the accessible route to your event.
Can I bring food or drink into the building?
No. USC Price School policy prohibits consuming food in the classrooms and lecture halls . You may bring a small water bottle (with lid) onto the floor, but coffees or snacks must be taken in the lobby or courtyard. Several nearby cafes (e.g. Starbucks in the USC Village) are convenient for grabbing a drink before entering.
Are there restrooms and water fountains in Lewis Hall?
Yes. Every floor has restrooms and water fountains typically located near the stairwells. They are standard public restrooms (with gender-neutral stalls on most floors). You can use these before or after sessions. There is no cafeteria inside Lewis Hall, but vending machines or candy bars may sometimes be available in the lobby during big events.
What is Franklin Courtyard at Lewis Hall?
Franklin Courtyard is the open-air patio located between Lewis Hall and the adjacent VPD (Price School) building on USC’s campus . It’s named for USC President Elizabeth Garrett’s family (the Franklins). This brick-paved courtyard is often used for receptions, outdoor breaks or social events. The Dean’s office must approve any courtyard reservation. Visitors enjoy Lincoln ivy-covered walls and sometimes UNCandle-carrier seating at night. If a program includes refreshments or a networking mixer, it is often held in or around Franklin Courtyard.
What is the contact phone number for Lewis Hall?
The Price School’s main office is in Lewis Hall. You can call (213) 740-0350 for general information about events or directions . (There is no dedicated theater box office – this number connects you to USC Price administrative staff who can guide you.)
Are outside guests allowed to attend?
Yes, in most cases any adult can attend if an event is listed as open to the public. Many price-school talks and seminars are free and open. However, some specialized sessions (like student-only career events) may be restricted to USC affiliates. As noted in USC’s policies, student organizations must have a Price School sponsor to use Lewis Hall , so check event listings for any registration requirements. Viewing the event on a USC calendar or the Price School website usually indicates if it’s intended for outside visitors.
Is Lewis Hall indoors or outdoors? How does weather affect events?
Lewis Hall is an indoor building. Almost all programs take place inside classrooms or conference rooms. Only social gatherings (lounges or buffet receptions) use the outdoor courtyard. In Los Angeles’s mild climate this isn’t usually a problem, but if rain is forecast expect outdoor breaks to be moved indoors. The main halls are fully climate-controlled, so you can forget about weather once the doors are closed.
