The Washington State Pavilion was constructed as the centerpiece of Expo '74, providing a 2,700-seat Opera House and exhibition center. Designed by the firm Walker, McGough, Foltz, Lyerla Architects and Engineers, today known as Integrus Architecture, PS, it was funded by the Department of Commerce and Economic Development and the Washington State Commission for Expo '74. Initially a state building, it was deeded to the City of Spokane in 1979 and in 2003 from the city to the Spokane Public Facilities District, which currently owns and operates the facility. During Expo '74, this site hosted a six-month pageant of the world's entertainers in the Opera House, on the floating stage, in the International Amphitheater, and in the Coliseum. More than sixty headliners performed in the formal concert hall, including Michael Redgrave, Jack Benny, the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Moiseyev Dancers, Isaac Stern, and Ella Fitzgerald. Don Thulean conducted the Spokane Symphony on many occasions with acclaimed guest artists and on special evenings at the outdoor International Amphitheater.