Grauman's Chinese Theater

Grauman's Chinese Theater in Hollywood

is the most famous movie theatre in the world. Millions of visitors flock here each year, drawn by its famous forecourt with its hands & footprints of the Hollywood Stars set in cement. Ted Mann purchased Grauman's in 1973, becoming the first individual to own the Chinese Theatre. In 1986, Mann sold the theater to Paramount Pictures, which sold a half interest to Warner Bros. Warner Bros. and Paramount continue to own the theater today. The theater was known as Mann's Chinese from 1973 until 2001, when the original name of Grauman's was restored.

opened over 70 years ago. Since then the Chinese Theatre has been the site of more gala movie premieres than any other theatre. Millions of visitors flock here each year, most of them drawn by its famous forecourt with its hands & footprints of the stars set in cement. The theatre itself has appeared in quite a few movies, including the Gene Kelly classic "Singing in the Rain" and at the end of the recent action-adventure movie "Speed."

Built by Sid Grauman in 1926 the exterior of the theatre is just as exciting as its famous forecourt. Resembling a giant red Chinese pagoda, the theatre's architecture features a huge dragon across the front, two stone lion-dogs guarding the main entrance, and the silhouettes of tiny dragons racing up and down the sides of the theatre's copper roof. For the price of a movie ticket, you can go inside and see the theatre's well-preserved interior, as well as watch a movie. The lobby inside boasts elaborate wall murals depicting life in the Orient, red and gold columns, and a large, intricate Chinese chandelier. Inside the vast main auditorium there are 2,200 bright red seats with red carpeting throughout. At the rear of the theatre you’ll discover that what would usually be the balcony has been divided into four private opera boxes for visiting celebrities.