[2][6] From its completion until the opening of the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in 1964, it was arguably the premier destination of choice for prominent visitors to Southern California.

[14] Big Bridges is the primary visual anchor point for the east side of Marston Quadrangle, the center of Pomona's campus.

It was constructed in a Renaissance Revival style modeled after northern Italy,[1] and incorporates Art Deco elements.

The building's frieze features the names of five eminent composers;[2] it was the target of a famous 1975 prank in which the one for Frédéric Chopin was replaced with one honoring Frank Zappa.

[2] Big Bridges hosts a variety of events and performances for the college, including orientation sessions, concerts, and guest speaker lectures.