Grauman's Chinese Theatre: Mann's Chinese Theatre

Chinese Theatre
Mann's Chinese Theatre opened over 70 years ago and is one of the most famous landmarks in Los Angeles. The first film ever shown here was the silent film "King of Kings," produced by the legendary Cecil B. DeMille. Since then, the Chinese Theatre has been the site of more Hollywood movie premieres than any other theatre. The outside of the theatre was updated a few years ago, so it is more accessible than ever. This is a great place to see a movie while you are in town!

Mann's Chinese Theatre was orginally called Grauman's Chinese Theatre, after owner Sid Grauman. You'll still hear it refered to as such in Los Angeles. Sid was the one who came up with the idea of putting the stars' handprints and footprints in wet cement in front of the theatre in order to attract more customers. Now, the large entryway is covered with them. A little known fact.... Sid's co-owners were Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks!

Inside the theatre, there are 2,200 bright red seats and red carpeting. Overhead, a chandelier is set in the center of a large, ornate starburst, surrounded by a ring of dragons - which is, in turn, encircled by a ring of icons portraying scenes from Chinese drama. Smaller Oriental lamps glow at the sides of the auditorium, hanging between intricately-carved stone columns; black & white murals of trees and pagodas fill the spaces in between.

The Chinese Theatre now offers a half-hour guided walking tour of the theatre. The charge is $5 (and kids under 5 are free). The tour takes guests inside the historic theatre, and the guide tells guests about the the history of the theatre, the footprints in the forecourt, the architecture, and the premieres that have been held there.

  • Phone: (323) 464-8111
  • Directions: The Chinese Theatre is located at the northeast corner of Hollywood Boulevard and Orange Drive, just west of Highland Avenue, and just eleven blocks west of the corner of Hollywood & Vine.

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