There are some iconic places in America where a photo or selfie is a must. If you are in Los Angeles, particularly in Hollywood, one of the must-see places is the TCL Chinese Theatre. Does the name mean little to you? Well, in front of it, on the Walk of Fame trail, is Hollywood Footprints, one of the symbols of this city: the concrete slabs on which movie stars and others have left their handprints, shoe prints and signatures.
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TCL Chinese Theatre History
A movie theater in Hollywood cannot simply be a movie theater. Sidney Patrick Grauman was of this opinion when he had the Egyptian Theater built and opened at 6706 Hollywood Boulevard in 1922. But that was still not enough. A little further on, at number 6925, his real dream came true: an imposing palace reminiscent of typical Chinese pagodas with columns, bells, masks, depictions of dragons, and two large stone Ming dogs pre-sourced from China to protect the entrance.
Leading the ambitious project was the architect Raymond Kennedy of Meyer & Holler, who was called in by Graunman and his real estate friend Charles Edward Toberman. It is estimated that the construction cost about $2 million.
After 18 months of construction, the opening of the Grauman Chinese Theatre took place on May 18, 1927 with the premiere of Cecil B. DeMille’s film “The King of Kings.” During those days crowds of tourists invaded Hollywood Boulevard hoping to see their most beloved stars and, of course, the grand building that everyone was talking about. In nearly 100 years of history, this building has become a Hollywood icon hosting world premieres and no less than three Academy Awards.
The design for the forecourt was entrusted to Jean Klossner, who was later given the name “Mr. Footprint.” The tradition of leaving one’s footprints on concrete probably originated during the building’s completion stages in the late 1920s, but there are many versions of the reason. According to Klossner, he put his own signature on the concrete at the end of construction and together with Graunman decided to ask the stars to do the same. According to Graunman, he put his own foot on the concrete by mistake and that’s where the idea came from. Others report that it was actor and producer Norma Talmadge who left her footprint first, again by mistake. Whatever the reality, today the ground in front of the Chinese Theatre is home to dozens of artist’s footprints from 1920 to the present.
Always keeping up with the times and new technologies of each period, the TCL Chinese Theatre now houses the largest IMAX cinema in the world with 932 seats.
How to Get to the TCL Chinese Theatre
TCL Chinese Theatre is located at 6925 Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles.
The area is well served by public transportation. The nearest subway stop is Hollywood/Highland served by the Red Line. The movie theater is less than a two-minute walk from the stop and you will definitely have no trouble finding it! The Hollywood/Highland stop also serves bus routes 212, 217, 780.
If you are driving, there are plenty of parking lots in the area, although it is very chaotic and busy given the many attractions in this area of Los Angeles. To learn more, read our article on getting around Los Angeles.
Parking lots
Among the parking lots near the TLC Chinese Theatre and the Walk of Fame, I would like to point out the Hollywood and Highland Parking at 1736 North Orange Street, SP+ Parking at 7021 Hollywood Boulevard, and right in front of the movie theater, Standard Parking at 6922 Hollywood Boulevard. In our article on where to park in Los Angeles you will find more information and suggestions on parking spaces in the city.
Tickets, Tours and Opening Hours
As the TCL Chinese Theatre is a movie theater, all you need to do to see the inside of the building is to buy a ticket and see one of the movies being shown.
The cost of tickets depends on the movie being shown. In general, a standard ticket for an adult can range between $12 and $18. Children pay one or two dollars less than the adult ticket price. If you are interested in the IMAX screen, however, the cost is around $20 per person.
If you are not interested in seeing a movie and are instead curious about the anecdotes related to this incredible building, the best way to walk through its majestic gold-colored doors is to book a tour. VIP Walking Tours last about 30 minutes and are available every day of the week, except for when special events are being held. The cost is $10 per person.
Reasons to Visit
The Chinese Theatre is perhaps the most famous movie theater in the world, and although there are so many places to visit in Los Angeles, a visit to Hollywood is not complete without visiting it.
The exterior of the building is in itself a visual experience not to be missed. Nearly 100 feet tall, it has two large red columns supporting the bronze roof. On the coral red columns there are two Chinese wrought-iron masks. On the front wall a huge dragon nearly 30 feet high carved in stone welcomes visitors.
In the forecourt in front of the theater you will find the Forecourt of the stars i.e., the footprints of many famous actors, directors and personalities. From Clark Gable to Marilyn Monroe, John Wayne, Elizabeth Taylor, the cast of Star Trek, Sophia Loren and Marcello Mastroianni.
Some interesting facts:
- Sonja Henie left her skate print;
- Roy Rogers left an imprint of his horse Trigger’s hoof and a revolver;
- Eleanor Powell has the shape of her tap shoes next to her signature;
- you’ll also find the imprint of Harold Lloyd’s glasses, Whoopi Goldberg’s dreadlocks, Groucho Marx’s cigar, the Harry Potter actors’ magic wands, and the wheels of Herbie, the Love Bug.
Where to Stay in the Area
Hollywood is one of the most famous neighborhoods in Los Angeles and, especially during the day, can be chaotic and quite noisy. At night it is no less so, but if you love the nightlife this is definitely a neighborhood to stay in. In our article on where to stay in Los Angeles you will find various suggestions and tips on this area and nearby areas that are still easily accessible by subway.
