Grauman's Chinese Theatre - Hollywood
Grauman's Chinese Theatre located on Hollywood Boulevard is the premier theatre and center of attraction on this busy street. It opened in May of 1927 and was THE spot for movie goers. It has been renovated since the 1994 Los Angeles earthquake and was declared and given historical landmark status in 1968.
The forecourt is a tourist friendly hub for shutterbugs. It is where the stars have their hand and footprints etched into the sidewalk along with drawings and notes. The theatre hosts inside tours during the day about every half hour. I did not take a tour during this visit but definitely will during the next visit.
The artwork and architecture of this theatre is just stunning. It is as authentic, colorful and rich in tradition as any of the temples I have seen in China yet with a more modern feel. I was just in awe of the intricate artwork as is obvious by all the photos I took. The photos you see below are just a small sampling and really do not do justice to the beauty of this theatre.
What struck me most about Hollywood and Los Angeles was all the rich history and flavor this city has to offer. While walking around downtown Los Angeles I found many a forgotten theatre and marquee tucked away amongst the city streets in desolate alley ways and forgotten corners. It was a walk through the past.
Walking along Hollywood Boulevard during the evenings means fighting the theatre going crowds along the streets. Movie lovers pack the boulevard for blocks on end to visit these theatres.
I know most of us think of Hollywood as a star studded fantasy land yet it offers so much more in tradition and history which are two aspects that I enjoy most. I hope you enjoy the photo montage. Remember to click the images to enlarge.
View from across the street on Hollywood Boulevard
Closeup of the theatre architecture
One of two stone lions outside the entrance
Forecourt artwork
Column artwork
Top side column view
Grauman's Chinese Theatre night view
For more information visit http://www.manntheatres.com/chinese/
Comments
and the theatre at night is something, isn't it?
have a lovely day
Margie, As soon as I entered Hollywood Blvd. I saw a huge crowd encircling a particular star which by that point security had to take over and protect it with caution tape. When I finally saw the star with not only the hand, foot and lip prints I knew they belonged to you and not just for your acting abilities :D
This is just my personal opinion.
I will arrive at SFO early Thursday AM. Can't wait to sleep in my own bed again! We have to get together soon!
Carmen, I agree, I should send them by donate link :D You are right, we both love Asian art so it's a given for us. Glad you'll be back this week. I am supposed to be in Reno on Thursday but both me and my friend are a bit under the weather so it may be postponed. In any case maybe we can get together for breakfast or lunch next week. Have a safe flight home.
http://willoaksstudio.blogspot.com/2009/11/best-blog-award.html
Nancy Ellyn, thank you so much for visiting and taking the time to read and comment.
WillOaks, thank you so much, it means alot coming from you.
Mountain Woman, thank you and I hope you have a chance to visit there someday.
Glynis, Thank you for visiting and commenting.