The Grauman's Chinese Theatre is not only a glorious movie house but also an historical landmark. The building is longstanding, having first been established in 1927. To this day the Grauman's Chinese Theatre hosts various ceremonies and events, keeping it one of Los Angeles' most prominent performance halls. What is the history to this very special theatre? Sid Grauman created the idea, having just enjoyed some success with the Egyptian Theater. He secured leasing through C.E. Toberman and built his property at 6925 Hollywood Boulevard. The firm of Meyer and Holler were responsible for coming up with the theatre's design—made in the same artistic-minded spirit as the Egyptian Theatre, their previous work. The concept for the Grauman's Chinese Theatre was to be a "palace-theatre" paying tribute to Chinese architecture.
One of the Grauman's Chinese Theatre's most unique features is the footprint ceremony, a section of hard cement located at the forecourt of the theater that has been graced by the world's biggest stars. The first two celebrities to have their footprint immortalized were Douglas Fairbanks and Mary Pickford. It wasn't long after Grauman's death when the theatre was recognized as a true historical landmark. In 1968 it was declared as such and has been restored periodically ever since to reflect the changing moods of contemporary fashion, even while keeping a sense of stoic Chinese mysticism. To this day, the Grauman's Chinese Theatre has served as a first-run movie theatre, and hosted many film premieres attended by celebrities.
continues to serve the public as a normal first-run movie theatre. Many film premieres are held at the Chinese Theatre, often attended by large throngs of celebrities. The theatre has also hosted the Academy Award ceremonies on three separate occasions. Tourists who visit the park will quickly notice that that theatre resembles a big red Chinese Pagoda. You may also notice a large Chinese dragon across the front of the theatre with two lion-dog creatures guarding the entrance with silhouettes of smaller dragons along the roof. The Grauman's Chinese Theatre first opened on May 18, 1927 with the premiere of The King of Kings, directed by Cecil B. Demille. It is considered arguably the most amazing opening in motion picture history, with thousands of theatre patrons lined up throughout Hollywood Boulevard, and even a riot breaking out as celebrities arrived. One day later the majestic theatre opened to the public. 75 years later the Grauman's Chinese Theatre continues to inspire awe from Los Angeles tourists as one of Hollywood's unmistakable cornerstones of high culture.
Some have stated that to visit Los Angeles and yet not see the Grauman's Chinese Theatre is like visiting China and not seeing the Great Wall. When you go looking for Los Angeles tours, try and find a tour that works the Grauman's Chinese Theatre into your itinerary. Some tours that stop by the Grauman's Chinese Theatre such as the Grand Tour of Los Angeles or the Movie Stars' Homes & Interior of Grauman's Chinese Theatre Combination Tour. This theatre is truly a part of Los Angeles' distinctive personality!
