If Hollywood is the heart of world cinema, then TCL Chinese Theatre is its soul. The place where the red carpet becomes a portal into the world of stars, and each brick breathes the history of the big screen. Here, on the bustling Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles, cinema comes alive in a unique atmosphere of luxury, tradition, and cinematic charm. It is not just a cinema — it is a sanctuary of world cinema, visited every year by millions of tourists dreaming of stepping in the footsteps of their idols.
The history of TCL Chinese Theatre dates back to the 1920s, when showman Sid Grauman decided to realize a dream of a place that would serve as the perfect backdrop for film premieres and an embodiment of Eastern exoticism. On May 18, 1927, the theatre opened its doors under the name Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, stunning the audience with an aesthetics that resembled a fairy-tale imperial palace more than an ordinary cinema.
The first film shown in the theatre was The King of Kings directed by Cecil B. DeMille — and since then, this stage has hosted premieres of Hollywood’s most famous films. In 2013, a new chapter began with a partnership with the Chinese company TCL, and the theatre’s name officially changed to TCL Chinese Theatre, while preserving its heritage and grandeur.
The theatre cannot be overlooked — its façade instantly draws attention: red columns, carved dragons, a bronze roof with curved edges inspired by traditional Chinese architecture, and two watchtowers symbolizing the entrance to the magical world of cinema. This place is created not only for watching films — it is itself a work of art.
The interior is no less impressive: frescoes, luxurious paintings, traditional Chinese decorative elements. And at the same time — ultra-modern technologies: a gigantic IMAX screen with a laser projection system that ensures unparalleled image and sound quality. Watching a film here is an experience that remains unforgettable.
Another icon of TCL Chinese Theatre is the legendary collection of hand and footprint prints of movie stars, embedded in cement in front of the theatre. This tradition began accidentally when actress Norma Talmadge unknowingly stepped into still-wet concrete in the 1920s. Grauman decided to turn this mistake into a new tradition — and he was right.
Today, there are over 200 impressions here — from Marilyn Monroe and Cary Grant to Robert Downey Jr., Will Smith, Harrison Ford, Tom Hanks, and dozens of other legends. Tourists from around the world come here to literally put their hands into the hands of their idols.
Today, TCL Chinese Theatre is not only a piece of history but also a modern cinema in action. Premieres of major blockbusters, red carpets, star-studded events — all of this happens here. It is exactly where stars step onto the red carpet before entering cinematic history.
Besides movie screenings, the theatre is open for guided tours. Visitors can see behind the scenes, learn more about the architecture and star guests who left their mark here. It is one of the main points on tourist routes around Los Angeles, and definitely should not be missed.
Looking for what to see in Los Angeles? Be sure to visit TCL Chinese Theatre — a legendary cinema on Hollywood Boulevard, which combines historical grandeur with technological innovation. It is not just a cinema — it is a place where the very soul of Hollywood comes to life. You don’t just watch a film — you become part of film history.
Current information:
Address: 6925 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, CA 90028, United States
Phone: +1 (323)-461-3331
