| OPERATING LOS ANGELES COUNTY HISTORIC THEATRES
Aero Theatre
The Aero Theatre has served the Santa Monica community since 1940. The American Cinematheque took over in 2003 and renovated it down to 400 seats. They regularly present classic films as well as special screenings of new releases, frequently taking advantage of their location on the Westside to attract local guests associated with the films. It was designed by P.M. Woolpert.
1328 Montana Avenue, Santa Monica, CA 90403
www.americancinematheque.com
 |
Photo from LAC archives |
Alex Theatre
The famous Alex Theatre, with its unforgettable S. Charles Lee marquee, is on Brand Boulevard in downtown Glendale. Originally opening in 1925, it was designed by Arthur George Lindley and Charles L. Selkirk and has a seating capacity of 1,460. Still presenting a rather full schedule, they fill up the time with, theatre, music, and film.
216 N. Brand Blvd., Glendale, CA 91203
www.alextheatre.org
 |
Photo by LAC staff |
El Capitan Theatre
Even though it opened in 1926, the El Capitan is going as strong as ever today. With 1,550 seats, it was originally designed by G. Albert Lansburgh and carefully restored by Joseph J. Musil less than twenty years ago. It is currently owned by Disney, who showcases the studio's films to the public and even includes pre-show organ and theatre entertainment before major releases.
6838 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90028
disney.go.com/disneypictures/el_capitan/
 |
Photo by LAC staff |
Fox Theater Pomona
Originally designed by Balch and Standberry in 1931, the Fox had a big city flair, with its Art Deco design, 1750 seats, and eighty-one foot-tall corner tower, crowned with a rotating red and blue neon FOX sign. Today the Fox Theater Pomona has been fully restored and transformed into a 2,000 capacity multi-use entertainment venue for concerts, cinema, performances, and parties.
301 S. Garey Avenue, Pomona, CA 91766
www.foxpomona.com
Grauman's Chinese Theatre
Opening in 1927, the Chinese Theatre is Sid Grauman's most famous, and possibly the most famous in the world. It was designed by Raymond M. Kennedy of the Meyer and Holler architectural firm. Seating 1,492, the theatre is known throughout the world for its unique Chinese influences as well as its courtyard in front with the handprints and footprints of movie stars from many generations. Mann Theatres currently operates the theatre and shows first-run films in addition to hosting numerous world premieres.
6925 Hollywood Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90028
www.manntheatres.com/chinese
 |
Photo by Larry Underhill |
Million Dollar Theatre
Built in 1918 by Albert Carey Martin Sr. and William Lee Woollett, the Million Dollar Theatre was Sid Grauman's first major theatre in Los Angeles and is what many consider the city's first movie palace. Its evocative Churrigueresque exterior has been featured in such films as "Blade Runner" and the original "D.O.A." It originally seated 2,345, since changed to around 2,000. The theatre has taken on many functions over the years such as first-run house, a church, and perhaps most famously as a center for Spanish-language entertainment. It was home to Mexican vaudeville and films for decades. After being shuttered for a number of years, the theatre has recently undergone a renovation to remodel the lobby as well as reinforce the majestic proscenium. Today, it serves as a location for special events as well as film screenings.
307 South Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90013
www.milliondollartheater.com
The Old Town Music Hall
The theatre that houses The Old Town Music Hall was built in the early 1920s. It served as the El Segundo Theatre from 1940-1950 before professional organists Bill Coffman and Bill Fields purchased the theatre and moved a Wurlitzer pipe organ to the site in order to accompany 1920s-era programming. This 188-seat theatre in El Segundo is available for rent and private parties.
www.otmh.org/
 |
Photo by LAC staff |
Orpheum Theatre
Opening in 1926 as the fourth and last venue of the Orpheum vaudeville circuit, the theatre seats 1,970 and was designed by G. Albert Lansburgh. After being lovingly restored earlier in the decade, the Orpheum hosts concerts, special events, and the occasional film. It is the last theatre on Broadway still housing its Mighty Wurlitzer organ.
842 South Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90014
www.laorpheum.com
 |
Historic Pantages image; photo from LAC archives |
Pantages Theatre
Designed by B. Marcus Priteca, the almost 2,700-seat Pantages Theatre opened in Hollywood in 1930. Following a detailed restoration by its current operator, the Nederlander Organization, the lavish auditorium and its stunning lobby dazzle audiences today with a constant run of touring musicals and concerts.
6233 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90028
www.broadwayla.org
 |
Lobby of the San Gabriel Mission Playhouse; photo courtesy of the Playhouse. |
San Gabriel Mission Playhouse
Built in 1927 to present The Mission Play, a production covering the early history of California, the San Gabriel Mission Playhouse is a beautiful Spanish-style venue with Mexican and Indian influences. The Mission Play ran through 1932 until the theatre was returned to the mortgage holders due to the depression. During the ensuing decade, it served as a movie theatre and in the mid-1940s, the property was purchased by the City of San Gabriel. With an occupancy of over 1,300 people, the Mission Playhouse is a large performing arts venue available for rent.
www.missionplayhouse.org
 |
Historic Shrine Auditorium image; photo from LAC archives |
Shrine Auditorium
Los Angeles' largest theatre, seating 6,300, opened in 1926. It was designed by G. Albert Lansburgh and John C. Austin. While never serving as a movie theatre, the Shrine has hosted a number of special events over the years including the Academy Awards, the Emmys, and the Grammys. It currently hosts concerts and special events as well as serving as a temple. It's located across the street from the University of Southern California.
665 West Jefferson Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90007
www.shrineauditorium.com
Vista Theatre
Often overlooked on the lists of great single-screen theatres still operating in Los Angeles, the Vista is a charming venue that still shows first-run films. The 638-seat theatre originally opened in 1923 and was designed by Lewis A. Smith.
4473 Sunset Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90027
www.losfeliz.com/online/vista.htm
 |
Photo from Los Angeles Public Library archives |
Warner Grand
Located in historic San Pedro, the Warner Grand is the last of the three Art Deco Warner theatre gems designed by B. Marcus Priteca in the Los Angeles area that is still operating. Opening in 1931, it has 1,598 seats and recently completed an extensive renovation. Besides a regular slate of American and foreign films, the theatre regularly programs local theatre and orchestras.
478 W. 6th Street, San Pedro, CA 90731
www.warnergrand.org
 |
Historic Westwood Crest image; photo from LAC archives |
Westwood Crest Theatre
This Arthur W. Hawes theatre opened in 1940 and was run by Pacific Theatre for a number of years. Like the El Capitan, it was recently restored by Joseph J. Musil and now seats 500. Currently independently owned, the Crest is still a first-run movie theater.
1262 Westwood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90024
www.westwoodcrest.com
Saban Theatre
(formerly Wilshire Theatre Beverly Hills)
Opening in 1930 as the Fox Wilshire, this S. Charles Lee gem is one of the last standing theatres in Beverly Hills. Seating 1,900, the theatre is being thoroughly restored and is available for stage productions, special events, and filming.
8440 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, CA 90211
www.sabantheatre.org
|
