Hermosa Beach
Updated on Apr 29 2024 5:58am
Grauman's Egyptian Theatre's significant role in Hollywood's Golden Age, combined with its classic architecture and rich history, make it an iconic venue that has captured the hearts of film enthusiasts worldwide. With its restoration by Netflix and the American Cinematheque, the theatre will once again take its place as a Hollywood landmark, offering a glimpse into the past and an opportunity to experience the magic of cinema in all its grandeur.
The Egyptian Theatre, located in the heart of Hollywood, is a classic and beloved movie palace that has been entertaining audiences since its opening in 1922. Built during the silent film era, the Egyptian was one of the first lavish movie theaters to be constructed in the United States, and it has remained a cherished venue for film lovers for nearly a century.
The Egyptian Theatre was built by showman Sid Grauman and real estate developer Charles E. Toberman, who also constructed the nearby El Capitan Theatre and Chinese Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard. The exterior of the theater is designed in the Egyptian Revival style, with hieroglyphics, sphinxes, and other ancient Egyptian motifs adorning the façade.
The theater quickly became a fixture in Hollywood's Golden Age and was the site of many groundbreaking film premieres and glamorous red carpet events. In fact, the Egyptian was the location for the first-ever Hollywood premiere, Robin Hood, starring Douglas Fairbanks, on Wednesday, October 18, 1922. Since then, it has hosted countless premieres, including the world premiere of the film Blade Runner in 1982.
For over 20 years, the American Cinematheque, a member-based cultural organization, owned and operated the Egyptian Theatre. During this time, the theater was home to numerous film festivals and special events, showcasing classic films and cutting-edge cinema from around the world.
In May 2020, the landmark theater was acquired by Netflix, which plans to restore the movie palace to its original 1922 grandeur through a much-needed renovation and seismic retrofit. The American Cinematheque will continue to host events on weekends under a long-term agreement with Netflix, which will program the theater Monday through Thursday.
The renovation, which is being carried out in partnership with the American Cinematheque, is part of a 'rewind rehab' project that aims to bring the theater back to its former glory. The restoration will include the renovation of the main auditorium, lobby, and courtyard, as well as the installation of state-of-the-art sound and projection equipment. Once the renovations are complete, moviegoers can expect to enjoy the same incredible cinematic experiences that the theater has been providing for nearly a century.
The Egyptian Theatre holds a special place in the hearts of film lovers and historians alike, as it is a symbol of Hollywood's storied past and enduring legacy. The theater's restoration and renovation will ensure that it continues to captivate audiences for generations to come, providing an unforgettable movie-going experience that is truly fit for a king or queen of the Nile.