Pantages Theatre - The Last Movie Palace
Photo: Tony Hisgett from Birmingham, UK, CC BY 2.0 (cropped)
A stop on Hollywood Boulevard Walk, a free self-guided tour.
Vaudeville king Alexander Pantages saved his most dazzling theater for last. The Pantages opened on June 4, 1930, as the final movie palace built in Hollywood, and architect B. Marcus Priteca went all in on Art Deco, from the sculpted facade to an auditorium crowned by a celebrated double ceiling.
The timing was rough, with the Depression deepening just as it opened. In 1949 Howard Hughes bought it for his RKO theater chain and moved his personal offices upstairs. Through the 1950s it hosted the Academy Awards, including the first Oscar ceremony shown on television, in 1953.
A $10 million restoration in 2000 made it the city's top stage for big Broadway tours. The Lion King played here for more than two years, and hits such as Wicked and Hamilton followed. Check the marquee to see what is on now. Next door, the tiny Frolic Room bar has been pouring drinks since 1934.
Getting here: Cross Vine Street and walk half a block east on the north side of Hollywood Boulevard to the big marquee.
Did you know?: Part of the Hollywood-themed street at Disney California Adventure borrows its look from the Pantages.
Photo op: Cross to the south side of the boulevard to capture the full marquee and facade; the signs glow after dark.
More on Wikipedia: Hollywood Pantages Theatre · Alexander Pantages · B. Marcus Priteca · Howard Hughes
Stops on this tour
- TCL Chinese Theatre - Hands in the Cement
- Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel - Where the Oscars Began
- El Capitan Theatre - From Stage to Disney
- Dolby Theatre - Home of the Oscars
- Hollywood Sign Viewpoint - Level 4 at Ovation
- Egyptian Theatre - The First Premiere
- Musso and Frank Grill - Hollywood's Oldest Restaurant
- Hollywood Pacific Theatre - Built for Sound
- Hollywood and Vine - Heart of the Walk of Fame
- Pantages Theatre - The Last Movie Palace
- Capitol Records Building - A Stack of Records