The Grauman’s Chinese Theatre was the inspiration of Sid Grauman. The Theatre was designed after a traditional Chinese Theatre and several items were brought from China for authenticity and had to undergo authorization from the US Government in order to be imported. The Theatre opened in May of 1927 and has been a historical Hollywood landmark ever since.

Well known for Hollywood tradition the Theatre has hosted several movies premieres and even a few of the Academy Awards. The fore court of the theatre has nearly 200 autographs with the hand and foot prints in cement of old and new stars. Roy Rogers’s prints also include imprints from his horse Trigger. Marilyn Monroe tried leaving an earring embedded into the cement by her prints but thieves found a way to remove it.

We took the tour of the theatre and were disappointed at the door when they told us to put away our cameras. The guide showed us all of the interesting history associated with the lobby and then took us into the main theatre. The theatre was dark and wasn’t very grand but had some interesting parts. When we were in the theatre area the guide told us that we could take pictures. I was a little confused but then decided maybe they didn’t want us taking pictures of the lobby.

The guide took us over to the new theatres and took us to the VIP room. The room was secluded from the rest of the theatre and nearly everything in this room was a vibrant red color. The VIP room reminded me of an eccentric bachelor pad. Our guide told us how several celebrities have hidden in that room to escape all of their excited fans.

The Grauman’s Chinese Theatre is definitely a place that you have to see when you’re in Hollywood. It is a montage of history and Hollywood culture. Other than the forecourt being a little crowded it’s was fun to see the old and new celebrity prints in front of the Theatre. The tour of the Theatre was enjoyable and our guide made it very interesting. I would suggest doing the tour at least once in your life time because I think you’ll find its history fascinating.

Grauman’s Theater holds lots of history. First opening in May of 1927 was the most spectacular theater opening in motion picture history. You can not come to Hollywood and not visit this landmark. Grauman’s is also the host of several big movie premiers, the first being "The King of Kings" by Cecil B. De Milles. Grauman’s Theater has always been one of those places that were a real treat to see. The architecture and history is very intriguing and fascinating to me. This is a place that when I see on TV I get excited to say hey I have been there and now there is Reese Witherspoon or Drew Barrymore or whoever there to promote a new movie at a premiere.Grauman’s does show movies; one at a time and you can sit in the same theater as the stars and watch a movie. The ticket prices are $11.25 for an adult and $8.00 for children and seniors. You can also take tours of the theater and the VIP lounge 7 days a week. The ticket prices and times are available by calling (323) 463-9576. The movies sell out fast so you want to make sure and get your tickets early and the tours are usually full every time.In the courtyard of Grauman’s is where you can find several actors’ footprints and hand prints. I think they even have Donald Duck’s feet prints, as well as the stars from the walk of fame right out front. These stars go for miles and miles down the road and on several other roads. While visiting Grauman’s you can expect to see several tourists and people checking out the area, this is a big tourist attraction in Hollywood. There are also characters from movies (Sponge Bob, Spiderman, Homer Simpson, etc…) walking around and taking pictures with you. Like I said a huge tourist spot so you will see some crazy and weird stuff.The area that surrounds Grauman’s have another theater upstairs, Mann Chinese 6, that shows a few more movies. There is a place to eat and other shops and stores as well. Across the street is another theater the EL Capitan, which host movie premiers and shows a few movies as well. The whole street and area is so captivating and filled with so many things to do. You could literally spend the whole day here.Don’t come to Hollywood and miss seeing Grauman’s Chinese Theater, it is a place you will never forget and one of the most popular places in the world.