The Egyptian Theatre Hollywood — Local services in Los Angeles

1 screen 516 seats

Builder Charles E. Toberman recruited Sid Grauman to open the first of the grand Hollywood movie palaces and in 1920 when it was first announced, the plans were for it to be designed in a Spanish style. The Egyptian Theatre cost $800,000, was constructed over 18 months and had a seating capacity of 1,771 (all on one level). The Egyptian theme was chosen for the name and décor to take advantage of the excitement drawn by the discoveries and searches in Egypt for ancient artefact such as King Tutankhamen’s tomb (which was discovered by Englishman Howard C. Carter on 26th November 1922;five weeks after the Egyptian Theatre opened). Architects Mendel Meyer & Phillip W. Holler of the Milwaukee Building Co. designed the building with decorator Raymond M. Kennedy in charge of decorative details. This theatre was among the first of many Egyptian Revival style theatres in the US.

A world premiere presentation of Douglas Fairbanks in “Robin Hood” was shown at the first ever ‘Hollywood Premiere’ at the grand opening of Grauman’s Egyptian Theatre on October 18, 1922 and continued to be screened until the first week of April 1923. The next attraction was “The Covered Wagon” followed by “The Ten Commandments” which premiered at the theatre on December 4, 1923. This was followed by “The Thief of Bagdad” and all had long runs, in fact Grauman’s Egyptian Theatre only played four movies in its first three years of operation. Grauman also presented an elaborate live stage show ‘Prologue’ with each performance of the movies.

After Grauman departed the Egyptian Theatre in 1927 to open Grauman’s Chinese Theatre along the Boulevard, Fox West Coast Theatres operated the Egyptian Theatre as a re-run house (a clause in the contract kept the Grauman name on the theatre). In 1944, the Egyptian Theatre became the exclusive Hollywood showcase for MGM and it became a first-run premiere house again.

A large curved Todd A-O screen was installed for the Roadshow engagement in 70mm of “Oklahoma” which had its West Coast Premiere on November 17, 1955. Sadly the installation of the huge 75feet wide screen led to the demolition of the elaborate original Egyptian style proscenium arch. A new projection suite was built at seating level in the rear of the orchestra seating and the auditorium walls were covered in yellow drapes. It was most likely that it was at this period of time that the original Wurlitzer 3Manual/15Ranks organ was removed from the building.

In its last years United Artists were operating the Egyptian Theatre as a last run discount house with $1.50 admission.

After closing in 1992, the main original auditorium was was shuttered, while the screens Egyptian II & III were converted into live theatre use. The original Egyptian Theatre was badly damaged in the 1994 Northridge earthquake. The City of Los Angeles had purchased the theatre a few months before the earthquake and so that it could be re-opened, ownership was transferred for $1.00 to the American Cinematheque. This classic movie theatre was given a stylish multi-million dollar make-over and renovation. The palm tree lined forecourt was restored to its original grandeur. The interior was renovated with solid, minimalist quality and state of the art technology. The main auditorium named for philanthropist Lloyd E. Ringler was reopened with its original, ornate sunburst ceiling and 616 seats. The screen is 53 feet wide and 27 feet high. A second theatre named after donor Steven Spielberg, is downstairs, and has 78 seats.

The restoration was completed by the end of October 2023 and the 516-seat Egyptian Theatre was reopened on November 9, 2023 with Michael Fassbender in “The Killer”. The theatre is capable of screen nitrate film and is equipped with 35mm, 70mm film projection and digital formats. Netflix will program the theatre weekdays Monday-Thursday and the American Cinematheque will program Friday,...

A true Hollywood Treasure, hidden from the street by its huge front courtyard. American Cinematheque owns and operates this soon-to-be 100-year-old Historical Landmark, built by Sid Grauman, and in 1922 held Hollywood's first-ever Red Carpet premiere. Grauman sold the Egyptian, then built and, in 1927, opened the Chinese Theatre, a few minutes west from the Egyptian on Hollywood Blvd. Get on their mailing list as American Cinematheque also owns the Aero Theatre in Santa Monica, built in 1939, opening in 1940. Throughout the year both theatres are home to numerous genre and foreign film festivals as well as anniversary screenings and sneak previews, many featuring Q&A events with actors, directors, screenwriters and film makers in general. Do yourselves a favor and go online to sign-up for the mailing list. American Cinematheque is a nonprofit so you won't be bombarded with emails. You'll simply receive links to the monthly calendar and special event announcements for both the Egyptian and Aero. There are also Cinematheque and event-specific Instagram, Facebook, Twitter pages you can follow or sign up on to receive updates. Membership pays for itself. 4 free ticket vouchers, reduced ticket prices, free member-only events, Members-only pre-sales and front-of-the-line privileges, and membership is tax deductible. Most importantly you get to support both...

Overall Theater Experience / 5 🌟! Movie theater buttered popcorn / 5 🌟!

Full disclosure. I am a volunteer for The American Cinematheque, so some may assume my review is biased. And while that may be true, I believe that even if I wasn't a volunteer, this theater truly deserves 5 🌟!

The theater recently reopened after a multi year renovation. Netflix is involved, and their agreement includes sharing screenings with The American Cinematheque. This is a net win for everyone involved, but especially movie goers who cherish the theater experience.

A goal of the renovation was to return the theater to its classic, original design while simultaneously upgrading the sound, picture, seats, and everything else! The Egyptian is capable of hosting nitrate screenings, and that is exceptionally rare throughout the world. I haven't seen a nitrate screening yet, but I'm looking forward to it!

There is a parking lot behind the theater, but it is privately owned, so you'll have to pay. Street parking is risky in Hollywood since most meters are 2 hours.

I highly recommend visiting The American Cinematheque website to see what screenings are coming up. Between The Egyptian, Aero, and Los Feliz Theater, there are hundreds of screenings per year, and they are...