OUTDOOR CAFE

Belgian Coffee, a real Belgian waffle, an ice cream .... 

We offer a nice selection to consume on the patio in front of the museum.

Restooms and new entrance door will be ready by May.

Tour buses welcome!

HISTORY OF THE STAGE DOOR CANTEEN

John Garfield was feeling the need for a club for servicemen who frequented Hollywood while on leave or waiting to be shipped out. He spoke with Bette Davis about this idea. With much interest she took the idea to her friend Jules Stein. He would be in charge of the financial committee and Chef Milani was in charge of the food at the canteen. Servicemen were not charged for food or entertainment. The Hollywood Canteen was modeled after Broadway's "Stage Door Canteen". On October 3, 1942 the doors opened and a legend was born. This same idea was introduced in New York as the

"STAGE DOOR CANTEEN"

During World War II, the American Theatre Wing ran New York's Stage Door Cabteen for the benefit of soldiers on leave. It was frequented by many stars, some of whom graciously performed menial tasks, while others entertained the crowd.

In 1943 a movie was made by director Frank Borzage. The film's storyline of a G.I.'s romance with a Canteen girl named Irene was inspired by the song "I left my heart at the Stage Door Canteen", written by Irving Berlin, and recorded in 1942 by Kenny Baker (who appears in the film). Producer Sol Lesser paid the Stage Door Canteed $50,000 for the use of its name; they and Allied Charities received the net profits from the film.