The Classic Movie Palaces of Hollywood

Next month I’m headed to the heart of Tinseltown to visit the Hollywood Wax Museum. Thinking about my excursion got me thinking about the town itself. One of my favorite things to do in Hollywood is to visit one of its major movie palaces and maybe catch a flick.

The most famous theatre of them all is TCL Chinese Theatre formerly known as Grauman’s Chinese. This theatre has been the face of Hollywood since it’s debut in 1927. My favorite thing to do is visit the forecourt and look at the footprints of some of my favorite classic stars.

Oh that Bogie…what a cracker jack!

I’ve actually never seen a movie at the Chinese Theatre but I have been lucky enough to go on a behind the scenes tour. That was before the recent renovations but I’ve heard that they’ve kept much of the historic features intact.

The main auditorium is now an IMAX theatre and I’m looking forward to catching a film there.

One theatre I have seen many a film at is the El Capitan. This theatre dates back to 1926 and originally began as a playhouse.

Today it’s a centerpiece for family fun as it’s owned by Disney and exclusively shows the studio’s films. Catching a film here is always a blast. Not only is the theatre beautiful but there’s lots of extras included. There’ll be live organ music prior to the movie, costumes and props in the lobby, and sometimes a live stage show. And, as a bonus, there’s a soda fountain next door!

I was lucky enough to tour this theatre, also, and found this hidden gem behind the stage.

Mickey ears made out of film reels! Love it!

As much as I love the El Capitan sometimes I want to see something a little more independent. I then head down the boulevard to the Egyptian, the original Hollywood movie palace. The Chinese may be the most famous but the Egyptian is the oldest, dating back to 1922.

Today it’s run by the American Cinematheque, a non-profit organization dedicated to film preservation and presentation. The Egyptian has so many unique screenings such as foreign, underground, and classic films. Of course, I always love to catch a classic flick there. Recently I went to a screening of Sunset Boulevard that included a slideshow presentation, a newsreeel not screened for over 60 years, and handmade ice cream sodas! Where else can you find something like that?

Plus the inside’s pretty awesome, too.

Personally, I think the three movie palaces of Hollywood are some of it’s best tourist attractions. So next time you’re in town be sure to stop by and catch a flick!

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.