Los Angeles is the film capital of the world, but did you know it has the highest concentration of historic movie theaters still in operation?
Twelve movie theaters were built in the Broadway Theatre district between 1910 and 1931, and nine are still in operation. When it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979, it became the first and largest historic theatre district listed on the Register. According to the Los Angeles Historic Theatre Foundation, this is the only large concentration of movie palaces left in the United States.
These theaters are known for their unique architecture and old-Hollywood style, and are always a treat to enjoy. Outside of the Broadway Theatre district, L.A. is home to dozens more historic theaters scattered across the county.
Here are a few of our favorites:
Vista Theater
A Route 66 landmark, Vista Theater stands out due to its emphasis on film projection. It regularly shows films on 35mm and 70mm.
It is also the only theatre in LA where you can watch a movie on Vista Vision. The Vista is one of the remaining historic structures from the 1920s, when Hollywood was first developed. It also features a high-resolution, widescreen film format created in 1954.
📍4473 Sunset Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027
BRAIN DEAD STUDIOS
Before it was Brain Dead Studios, it was a Silent Movie Theatre. The theatre originally opened in 1942, but didn’t become Brain Dead Studios until October 2020. It’s curated screenings and cult cinema have made it a Los Angeles institution among cinema lovers.
📍611 N Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036
Eagle Theatre
The Eagle Theatre originally opened in 1929 as Yosemite Theatre. It’s had quite the life over the years, transitioning to an adult cinema in the 70s to an independent film cinema, then to a church. It was revitalized by Vidiots in 2023.
Originally opened in 1985 as an independent video store, Vidiots transitioned to a 501(c)3 non-profit in 2012 and took over the theatre in 2023. Today, Eagle Theatre fosters a unique and welcoming community. Plus, in LA fashion, it has a bar.
📍4884 Eagle Rock Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90041
Cinerama Dome
Originally built in 1967, this theater was meant to be the first of 600 geodesic-dome cinemas built around the world, fostering a new kind of movie house that would be cheaper to build and deliver a more immersive viewing experience. Its iconic roof is made of 316 concrete interlocking panels fitted together like a giant honeycomb, the first of its kind in the world.
The article includes contributions from Secret Los Angeles Video Producer Ian Stokes.