The building was made of reinforced concrete and combined elements of a theater, concert hall, and trade show and convention auditorium.

The most widely touted innovation was the auditorium's main floor, which in a matter of seconds could be tilted by a hydraulic mechanism to form raked seating for theatrical productions or a flat surface for dancing or exhibits.

[5] The $2.9-million city-owned project soon became an acclaimed music venue, for artists as varied as David Bowie, Eric Clapton, Frank Sinatra, Village People, Mötley Crüe, Dave Brubeck, Laura Nyro, The Limeliters, Ella Fitzgerald, Elton John, Free, Traffic, Prince, Tim Buckley and Bob Dylan.

Blue Öyster Cult played in support of its Club Ninja album in March 1986; the show was recorded for radio broadcast, and several songs from the performance were finally made available as part of a box set in 2012, including the never-before released "Wings Of Mercury".

On April 9, 1982, "Weird Al" Yankovic made his first major appearance at the auditorium, when his band opened for Missing Persons.

The City of Santa Monica began to plan for a $51.9-million renovation using redevelopment funds and negotiated with the Nederlander Organization to book events.

"As of 2016 the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium is currently available for limited filming, photo shoots, private events, and meetings".

[9] The Civic Auditorium parking lot is also used for shows like the AltCar Expo Conference that took place in September 2016.