Hollywood Pantages Theatre

The Hollywood Pantages opened in 1930, the last theatre Alexander Pantages built for his vaudeville empire, and touring Broadway shows play it now. If you have a ticket, get there early. The building is worth the extra time, and the theatre's rules let you take pictures in the lobby before the show, at intermission and after.

What's Worth Seeing

Start in the lobby. Its fan vault runs 110 feet wide and 60 feet deep, in a geometric pattern of gold and henna. There's a 20-foot-wide stairway at each end, lined with statues, and one of them shows an Art Deco camera crew at work.

In the auditorium, look up. Anthony Heinsbergen designed a double ceiling, with a blue upper ceiling showing through the fretwork of the lower one. Above the 54-foot proscenium, three painted panels show Apollo leading his horses, California oil wealth and Native Californians. Cameras and recorders are banned during the performance, and ushers explain the policy for each production when you walk in.

Take a look at the outside on your way in. B. Marcus Priteca designed it with sculpted goddesses along the roofline and Egyptian lotus details on the second story. He drew it for twelve stories, with offices above the theatre, and they were never built, which is why it stops at two.

Howard Hughes bought the theatre in 1949 for RKO and moved his own offices to the second floor. The Academy Awards were held here through the 1950s. It went over to live stage shows in 1977, got a $10 million restoration in 2000, and has been a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument since 1978.

How to Get There

The theatre is at 6233 Hollywood Blvd. The easy way is the Metro: Hollywood/Vine station is directly across the street. If you drive, the theatre's parking page lists lots and garages on Argyle, Vine, Selma and Yucca, all a one to five minute walk.

Leave the backpack at home. Large bags aren't allowed, and there's no coat or bag check. Everyone needs a ticket whatever their age, and children under 5 aren't admitted unless the show's page says otherwise. The important information page has the rest, and our venue page lists what's coming up.

Nearby

• The Hollywood Palladium is a short walk south at Sunset and Argyle, a 1940 ballroom that still books big shows.
• The Hollywood Walk of Fame runs along Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street, right outside.
• Avalon Hollywood is a nightclub at 1735 Vine St, with a balcony and weekend club nights.