Théâtre Raymond Kabbaz is a 200-seat multipurpose theater focused on events related to the French language and culture. It puts on a wide variety of plays, screenings and lectures.
The American Legion is a national veterans service organization. This location is Post number 43 and has been operating in Hollywood since 1919. The building itself resembles an Army barracks but with art deco architecture. An honor roll of American war heroes decorate the outer facade. The courtyard contains a war memorial complete with an antique cannon. The building itself is available for private events including live shows, film shoots and receptions. The hall has a rich heritage and was a favorite place for local artists and politicians. Humphrey Bogart was a regular at the roaring-'20s-style basement bar. The American Legion Hollywood Post is also the location for many films and television commercials. Come for the museum, stay for the drinks.
The ArcLight multiplex is home to the historical Cinerama Dome, the geodesic-shaped theater built in 1963. This state-of-the-art multiplex has all the modern amenities moviegoers have come to expect, like reserved seating, wider chairs, more legroom and retractable arm-rests. There's a café and bar where you can sip a cocktail or coffee or get a quick meal before or after a movie. The snack bars offer real buttered popcorn, and there's a gift shop in the lobby. The 10 screens offer a mix of new-release blockbusters, specialty and retrospective movies. The theater is adjacent to a seven-level self-parking garage off Ivar Street, just east of the Cinerama Dome, and offers validation with the purchase of a movie ticket. The café balcony is available on weekdays for private party rentals.
Sundance Sunset Cinemas has been refurbished. Latest showings can be caught here and tickets ordered online.
Named for Linwood Dunn, an early innovator of motion picture special effects, the theater is operated by The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences and is in their Pickford Center for Motion Picture Study. The 286-seat theater hosts a variety of film events, including rare archival screenings, revivals and other related programs. It's also available to rent for special screenings and events. Details about renting theater and costs are available on the website.
Led by producer Joseph Stern, the award-winning Matrix Theatre Company hosts theater productions in a variety of genres. Visit the website to view a calendar of upcoming productions or to purchase tickets.
Formerly Grauman's Chinese Theatre, this landmark was renamed the TCL Chinese Theatre in 2011 after an acquisition by Chinese Theatre, LLC. In 2013 the main auditorium underwent extensive renovations to create the first IMAX theatre in Hollywood, and one of the largest worldwide with more than 900 seats, making it a top choice for Hollywood movie premieres. Also onsite are six other auditoriums showing first-run movies, along with the world-famous hand and footprints. It was honored as a Los Angeles Historical Landmark in 1968 and is THE place to see a movie in L.A.
Parking and public transportation at the TCL Chinese Theatre
Underground parking is available at the adjacent Hollywood & Highland complex. Validation is provided for participating shops, restaurants and the theatre, so take your ticket with you. A flat rate is charged after 10pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Check the Hollywood & Highland website for current rates. Meters are available along Hollywood Blvd. and side streets, but check signs for restrictions. Parking enforcement is strong and tickets will be given. The Metro Red Line has a stop at Hollywood & Highland.
Best and worst time go to the TCL Chinese Theatre
Nights and weekends are the most crowded, although as a top tourist attraction, there are always people out front looking at the hand and footprints. Premieres and special events will make the theatre inaccessible, although you might get a peek at the red carpet.
Admission to the TCL Chinese Theatre
Movie prices vary, with an upcharge for IMAX. 20-minute tours of the theatre are also offered. Call 323-463-9576 for availability and pricing. Walking around the hand and footprints is free.
Must see/do at the TCL Chinese Theatre
Watch an IMAX movie in the main theatre, then put your hands in the cement where Marilyn Monroe's, Steven Spielberg's and George Clooney's were!
Other places to visit near the TCL Chinese Theatre
Hollywood & Highland offers a bunch of shopping and dining options, or walk across the street to another famous theatre: the Disney-owned El Capitan. Right nearby is the 1920s Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel where you can have a cocktail at the poolside Tropicana bar or grab a burger at 25 Degrees, the hotel's diner. And of course the Walk of Fame runs all along Hollywood Blvd.
Insider tip for visitors to the TCL Chinese Theatre
Costumed characters hang out on the sidewalk outside the theatre and Hollywood & Highland complex. They're fun to take pictures with, but be prepared to pay a fee. They don't pose out of the goodness of their heart.
Author's bio: Shelley Graner is a Los Angeles native, food lover and travel writer who has visited 36 countries. She writes for various travel blogs, including her own.
