Things to do / Travel Guide
Address:6925 Hollywood Boulevard
Hollywood, California
Tel:
(323) 464-8111
Grauman's Theater is a piece of motion picture history that still serves as a centerpiece of today's film culture. The rich history and architecture of the theater attracts movie stars and movie watchers alike, who all want to be a part of the spectacular scene that the theater creates in the heart of Hollywood.
Grauman's Chinese Theater was the realization of Sid Grauman's dream to build the most lavish theater in Hollywood. Its construction was surely over-the-top, as temple bells, pagodas, stone Heaven Dogs and other artifacts from China had to be imported under U.S. government approval. The theatre was designed to resemble a large red Chinese pagoda, 90-feet high and flanked by two giant red columns capped by wrought iron masks under a bronze roof. A 30-foot-high dragon carved from stone sits menacingly between the columns. Two giant Chinese Heaven Dogs guard the theater's entrance.
The theater's grand opening, in 1927, was arguably the most fabulous theater opening in movie history, featuring "King of Kings" and "Glories of the Scriptures." Afterwards, a 65-piece orchestra accompanied the master showman as he gave an epilogue to the films. The event was so popular that a riot broke out among the fans as they scrambled to see the movie stars as they arrived. Soon afterwards, the theater opened to the general public.
Mary Pickford, Douglas Fairbanks and Sid Grauman were the first of many movie stars to cast their footprints in the famous cement path outside the theater in 1927. In 1968, the theater was declared to be a historic cultural landmark in order to preserve the building. It has undergone several renovations following earthquakes and wear over the years. The theater has hosted three Academy Awards ceremonies, birthday parties and many movie premiers. Grauman's Chinese Theater is currently owned by Warner Brothers and Paramount Pictures. It is also commonly known as Mann's Chinese Theater, since it was once owned by Mann Theaters.
Grauman's Chinese Theater is still in use and still open to the public for regular movie showings. Show times can be found online. Movie tickets are priced the same as in any American theater, despite the place's unique history. Many visitors come just to see the theater and the stars' prints in the cement, which include Betty Grable's leg, the hoof prints of Gene Autry's horse, Jimmy Durante's and Bob Hope's noses, Whoopi Goldberg's dreadlocks, George Burns' cigar, and even R2D2's wheels. Surrounding the theater are street performers who pose as famous actors.
VIP tours of the theater are available, where guests can go backstage, through the theater, and visit the lavish VIP Lounge accompanied by a tour guide who explains the history of the theater. Tours are offered 7 days a week, but call in advance for hours and prices.
Grauman's Chinese Theater is centrally located on Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, California, between Highland and La Brea Avenues. It is accessible by bus and car, and is not hard to find, considering its large size and remarkable architecture!
Whether you go to Grauman's Theater to learn about movie history, to gawk at the memorabilia left by movie stars, or simply to see a film, you will surely be impressed by the unique and extravagant architecture and atmosphere, which continues to make movie history until today!