It’s been nearly a century since this legendary L.A. venue premiered its very first show on August 15, 1927. The George Gershwin musical Oh, Kay! paved the way for decades of entertainment in one of the city’s most unique-looking places. From a movie theater to a hub for adult films and live performances of all kinds, the Mayan Theater has long been (and will remain) part of L.A.’s cultural fabric.
But now, after almost a century of activity, the theater has officially announced it will be closing for good. The current owners, who have run the Mayan for the past 35 years, shared the news on social media a few weeks ago.
The Mayan opened 98 years ago, designed by the renowned architecture firm Morgan, Walls & Clements, who also created the El Capitan and Wiltern theaters in the city.
In its early years, the theater showcased musical comedies, later transitioning to films and musical concerts. During the Great Depression, it hosted plays produced by the Work Progress Administration’s Federal Theater Project.
Since 1990, the Mayan has operated as a 1,500-seat concert venue, welcoming acts like Panic! At The Disco, Jack White, Lauryn Hill, Daft Punk, and Chicano Batman, as well as eclectic performances such as Lucha VaVoom. The venue also functions as a nightclub with a dress code.
