Los Angeles’s historic movie palaces stand as gilded monuments to cinema’s golden
age when going to the movies was an event worthy of dressing up. These architectural treasures, built between the 1910s and 1930s, combined multiple styles from Spanish Colonial Revival to Art Deco – creating venues that were attractions in themselves.
While many have been restored to their former glory, others await their chance to
shine again, each telling a unique story of Hollywood’s glamorous past.
The Chinese Theatre – Hollywood Boulevard
Grauman’s Chinese Theatre opened in 1927, remains Hollywood’s most iconic movie palace with its authentic Chinese decorative elements and famous forecourt of
celebrity handprints. The theater’s massive red columns and bronze roof, topped
with a 90-foot-high copper pagoda, make it impossible to miss along Hollywood
Boulevard.
Still actively screening premieres, the Chinese Theatre maintains its status as Hollywood’s most prestigious venue while adapting to modern technology with IMAX capabilities.
The Egyptian Theatre – Hollywood Boulevard
Built in 1922 during the height of Egyptomania following the discovery of King Tut’s
tomb, this palace features authentic hieroglyphics and a massive courtyard designed
to mimic an Egyptian temple. The Egyptian’s restoration by American Cinematheque
in 1998 brought back its original grandeur while adding modern sound and projection
capabilities.
Netflix’s recent acquisition promises to preserve this historic venue while continuing its tradition of classic film screenings.
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The Orpheum Theatre – Broadway
Opening its doors in 1926, the Orpheum dazzles visitors with its French Baroque
interior, including a massive crystal chandelier and intricate gold-leaf details. The
theatre’s Mighty Wurlitzer organ, one of the last functioning theater organs in
Southern California, still rises from beneath the stage for special performances.
After a $3 million renovation in 2001, the Orpheum hosts concerts, movie screenings, and special events in an atmosphere that perfectly captures the opulence of the 1920s.
Million Dollar Theatre – Broadway
As the first movie palace built by Sid Grauman, this 1918 landmark set the standard
for theatrical extravagance with its Spanish Colonial Revival façade and lavish
interior. The theater’s elaborate cast stone exterior features figures from multiple
cultures, reflecting Los Angeles’s diverse population.
Though currently used primarily for special events, the Million Dollar Theatre’s recent restoration ensures its place in LA’s architectural heritage.
Los Angeles Theatre – Broadway
Opening night for Charlie Chaplin’s ‘City Lights,’ in 1931, marked the debut of this
French Baroque masterpiece, featuring a crystal fountain in its lobby and a
magnificent grand staircase. The theatre’s six-story crystal chandelier and ballroom-
sized ladies’ lounge made it the most expensive and elaborate of all the Broadway
movie palaces.
Though only open for special events today, its mirrors, marble, and gold leaf details remain impressively intact.
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Palace Theatre – Broadway
Built in 1911 as the Orpheum (before the newer Orpheum was constructed), this
oldest remaining Orpheum theatre on Broadway features a stunning Florentine
Renaissance facade. The interior combines French Baroque and Moorish elements,
creating an eclectic but harmonious design that was revolutionary for its time.
Recent renovations have preserved the theatre’s original features while adapting the space for modern performances and events.
Tower Theatre – Broadway
As the first theater designed to accommodate talking pictures, the 1927 Tower
Theatre pioneered technical innovation while showcasing Renaissance Revival
architecture. Its iconic clock tower, visible throughout downtown, was inspired by the
Butter Tower of Rouen Cathedral in France.
The theatre’s recent transformation into an Apple Store has preserved its architectural details while giving the space new life.
United Artists Theatre (Ace Hotel) – Broadway
Mary Pickford collaborated with Spanish Gothic Revival architects on this 1927
masterpiece, featuring a stunning auditorium inspired by the Spanish cathedral in
Segovia. The exterior’s flying buttresses and decorative towers make it one of
Broadway’s most distinctive buildings.
Now part of the Ace Hotel, the theatre continues to host events while maintaining its historic character.
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Vista Theatre – Los Feliz
Opening in 1923, the Vista combines Egyptian and Art Deco elements in a more
intimate setting than its downtown counterparts. The theatre’s forecourt features
concrete blocks embedded with the signatures of 1920s film stars, creating a
neighborhood version of the Chinese Theatre’s famous forecourt.
After the recent acquisition by Quentin Tarantino, the Vista is undergoing renovation to ensure its continued role as a premier single-screen movie house.
El Capitan Theatre – Hollywood Boulevard
Disney’s flagship theatre opened in 1926 as a legitimate playhouse before converting
to movies in the 1940s. The East Indian Revival exterior contrasts with an elaborate
Spanish Colonial interior, creating one of Hollywood’s most unique architectural
combinations.
Disney’s meticulous restoration in 1991 returned the theater to its original splendor while adding modern technical capabilities.
Fox Wilshire Theatre (Saban) – Beverly Hills
This 1930 Art Deco masterpiece features a towering ziggurat design that makes it
visible throughout Beverly Hills. The theatre’s silver and black interior color scheme
epitomizes the sleek sophistication of the Art Deco movement.
Now known as the Saban Theatre, it hosts concerts and events while maintaining its status as a historic landmark.
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Alex Theatre – Glendale
The Alex’s 100-foot-tall neon tower, added during its 1940 renovation, serves as
Glendale’s most recognizable landmark. The interior combines Greek and Egyptian
motifs in a unique blend that characterizes the eclectic nature of movie palace
architecture.
Recent upgrades have modernized the venue’s technical capabilities while preserving its historic character.
Warner Grand Theatre – San Pedro
Called ‘The Castle of Your Dreams’ when it opened in 1931, this Art Deco
masterpiece features an exterior covered in decorative copper panels that have
developed a beautiful patina over time. The interior combines Art Deco, French
Baroque, and Egyptian motifs in a stunning display of theatrical excess.
Community efforts have kept this neighborhood palace operating as a cultural center for San Pedro.
Pantages Theatre – Hollywood
Opening just months before the stock market crash of 1929, the Pantages
represents Art Deco design at its most elaborate and sophisticated. The theatre’s
geometric patterns and zigzag motifs extend from the facade through every interior
space, creating a cohesive artistic vision.
After serving as home to the Academy Awards ceremonies in the 1950s, the Pantages has become Hollywood’s premier venue for Broadway shows.
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Rialto Theatre – South Pasadena
This 1925 gem combines Renaissance Revival architecture with touches of Moorish
design, creating an intimate atmosphere perfect for its current role as a specialty film
venue. The theater’s original pipe organ chambers remain intact, though the organ
itself was removed decades ago.
Though currently closed for renovation, local preservationists ensure this neighborhood palace will continue serving its community.
Old Hollywood Lives On in Grand Venues
These 15 movie palaces represent more than just architectural history; they embody
the dreams and ambitions of early Hollywood when movies were magic, and theaters
were palaces. While some continue to show films and others have found new
purposes, each remains a vital link to Los Angeles’s cultural heritage.
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