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Grauman's Chinese Theatre

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lisamcgu
lisamcgu
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4 out of 5
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8
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Editor Pick

Where It All Starts...

  • October 21, 2009
  • Rated 5 of 5 by Red Mezz from Inverness, Scotland
Where It All Starts...

Probably my favourite thing in all of Hollywood - and I doubt if I am alone on this - is the world famous Grauman's Chinese Theater.

Located on Hollywood Blvd along the Hollywood Walk of Fame and just a few steps away from the new Hollywood and Highland Centre - this traditional bit of old Hollywood is something you might stumble on with out even realizing it.

One minute you are in a shiny new shopping district where it's not unlikely to spot a celebrity or two doing some Christmas shopping (I saw one from ER...) and then a few steps away you are standing on the Hollywood stars, and fighting your way through the throngs of tourists, locals and costumed characters trying to have their photo made with you very suddenly you are standing in the midst of one of the most famous of Hollywood attractions.

First opened in 1927 - Grauman's has been a fundamental part of the Hollywood scene ever since. The place of many of premier in tinsel town, and still the often the scene of glamour and Hollywood celebrity - not miss this sight on a trip to Los Angeles would be a crying shame.

Standing out strangely on the Hollywood Blvd in its grandiose Chinese style, this is truly a unique sight regardless of its history or importance. Not only is the building itself strange and beautiful in it's surrounding - but so are it's decorative assets including the huge 40 foot high wall that separates it from it's surroundings, and the giant fountains and carved dragons.

And while you are staring up at this magnificent sight - really taken aback by this Asian oasis in the midst of Hollywood Blvd - you might forget to look down and realize you are standing in the very midst of Hollywood's elite.

This is where you find the hand/foot prints and signatures of the stars. Amble the area referred to as The Forecourt to the Stars - slowly taking your time to take in all of the signatures of the greats beneath you.
(Be sure to find John Wayne's prints - you will be astounded by how small his feet were!)
You soon begin to feel the profound presence of the area and those who have gone before you. With the greats ranging from Clark Gable to Samuel L. Jackson - you are sure to find someone's mark that leaves a smile on your face.

Try to visit this midday, midweek if possible to make it easier to enjoy and take photos. There are those trying to sell token items in this area - but in my experience they weren't too pushy and never really got in the way of enjoying the area itself.
It's bigger than you might imagine - and just when you think you've seen all the stars you want to see, you'll spot another you want to get a snap of or try measuring your own print against. Allow plenty of time here to really enjoy it.

This is something that you simply must do while you are visiting LA. The location could not be more simple (once you have worked out parking) as it's located so close to Hollywood and Highland - and it also means that you can view the great Hollywood Walk of Fame from here as well.

It is also just a couple minutes walk from some great cheesy souvenir shops as well as the Kodak Theater - home of the Academy Awards.

Be sure to allow time for this sight - it really is a pretty awe inspiring thing.

From journal A Little Wander around Hollywood at Christmas...

Editor Pick

Grauman's Chinese Theatre

  • August 1, 2007
  • Rated 4 of 5 by ak1 from Auburn, Washington
Grauman's Chinese Theatre

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.

From journal L.A. for Beginners

Grauman's Chinese Theatre

  • April 18, 2007
  • Rated 4 of 5 by anna195 from Springfield, Missouri
Grauman's Chinese Theatre

Grauman's Chinese Theatre was built in 1927 by a partnership led by Sid Grauman. There have been countless movie premieres held here, and perhaps the most famous events held here are the imprints of the hands and feet of Hollywood's biggest stars. I would recommend the guided tour. You get a tour guide as well as headphones. You will get more detailed facts and information about the theater and the stars who have left their signatures and hand/foot prints there over the years. It is priced fairly reasonably, and will be well worth it. 

Next to Grauman's Chinese Theatre is the Kodak Theatre where the Academy Awards are held. There are also live concerts held here throughout the year. So try and check out the theatre schedule to see if any concerts will be going on while you are there.

On top of the Chinese Theatre there are several eateries, which are all very delicious and also reasonably priced. I especially recommend the Mongolian Grill. Also from atop the Chinese Theatre you can view Hollywood Blvd. from above and see it from a different view. This was a very fun place to go. A definite must-see if you are in L.A. for even just a day!

From journal A Day in L.A.

Editor Pick

Manns Chinese Theatre

  • August 6, 2006
  • Rated 4 of 5 by cr008k from San Francisco, California
Manns Chinese Theatre

Manns Chinese Theatre is a great place to visit in LA. It is a little smaller than it looks on TV, but is almost more tasteful—there is a beautiful Asian influence to the decor, and you can really imagine all the movie stars of yesterday and today, heading to movie premieres. It makes you feel like a star and like you are really having the Hollywood experience.

Outside of Manns Chinese Theatre you can see all the footprints and handprints of the famous stars. This can be kind of crowded, especially if you go during prime tourist season or prime tourist time. It was a little crowded for us and we had to wait a little while to get our pictures taken with Marilyn Monroe's handprints. The more popular the star, the more tourists taking pictures—that is to be expected. It is nice that you do not have to pay to try out the handprints and take the pictures and see if you fit in with the stars prints. They even have Lassie's pawprints there—which was really fun.

You can also pay extra to tour the theatre. This is kind of cool because you get to walk around inside and see the historical stuff and the movie memorabilia. There was also a sort of art gallery type thing inside but that wasn't that great.

They also have movies and movie premieres there and the seats are very comfortable if you can get into a movie or a premiere. You also can maybe see movie stars, or so I have heard, although we did not see any movie stars on the day we were there.

I definitely recommend a visit. You should at least try out the handprints and footprints. Try to go later in the day so it will not be as crowded, or if you get to visit LA in the off-seasons (whenever they are—maybe in the summer when it is much hotter and less comfortable there). I don't know if I would spend the money for the tour of inside, unless you are really into the old movie stuff or seeing a movie, or want to imagine you are a movie star going to a fancy premiere.

From journal Los Angeles Vacation

Editor Pick

Grauman's Chinese Theatre

  • May 3, 2006
  • Rated 5 of 5 by melissabowman from Stephenville, Texas
Grauman's Chinese Theatre

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.

From journal Summer Vacation to Southern California

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