Hollywood aficionados have been known to compare the Grauman's Chinese Theatre to the Great Wall in China, and, while this may be overstated, this famous theater, located in the heart of Hollywood, is perhaps America's most recognizable.
Special permission from the government was required before Grauman and his team could import the genuine Chinese temple bells, pagodas, copper-topped turrets, and stone Heaven Dogs that comprise the décor of this Hollywood icon. Two coral red columns topped with wrought-iron masks rocket ninety feet into the air and support a pagoda-style bronze roof. At the time of the Theatre's grand opening in 1927, the total construction bill exceeded $2,000,000, and thus Grauman launched a burgeoning jewel of the city. The theatre became famous for movie openings, when long lines formed to see Hollywood's brightest stars appear for a debut, or perhaps to limn themselves into eternity by placing hands or feet into cement.
Today the theatre still stands and still plays host to star-studded movie premiers, as well as daily movie showings during regular hours. Ticket prices are a bit inflated, but to sit in a theatre surrounded by so much history and lavish decor is itself an experience.
Attraction Information
- Admission:
- Adult: $11.75
- Children and Seniors: $9
- Contact:
- Location: 6925 Hollywood Blvd Los Angeles, CA
- Phone: 313-464-8111
- Website: www.manntheatres.com
