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TCL Chinese Theatre

Introduction to TCL Chinese Theatre

Located in the heart of Hollywood, the TCL Chinese Theatre is one of the most iconic and historic movie palaces in the country. With a rich history dating back to 1927, the TCL Chinese Theatre has hosted countless movie premieres, red carpet events, and has become a key location for many Hollywood-related events. Its unique design and décor, coupled with the many celebrities who have left their handprints, footprints, and signatures in the cement in the theatre's forecourt, have made it a must-see tourist attraction for anyone visiting Los Angeles. This article will delve into the history of the theatre, the architecture and design, the iconic Forecourt of the Stars, and its modern-day attractions.

History of TCL Chinese Theatre

The TCL Chinese Theatre was the brainchild of Sid Grauman, a famed showman and movie palace developer during the early days of Hollywood. Grauman began his career in San Francisco, where he built the first movie palace that seated over a thousand people. The success of this venture led him to Hollywood, where he joined forces with Douglas Fairbanks, Mary Pickford, and Howard Schenck, to build the Egyptian Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard. The theatre opened in 1922 and was an instant success, leading Grauman and his partners to build another movie palace—this time, inspired by Chinese culture.

The TCL Chinese Theatre, originally named Grauman's Chinese Theatre, was designed by architects Raymond M. Kennedy and Meyer & Holler, with the goal of creating a lavish, Chinese-themed movie palace. It was built at a cost of $2 million and opened on May 18, 1927, with the premiere of Cecil B. DeMille's film "The King of Kings." The theatre gained national fame when it hosted the 1930 Academy Awards ceremony, and it went on to host numerous movie premieres and major Hollywood events over the years.

In 1973, the theatre was sold to Ted Mann, who renamed it Mann's Chinese Theatre. After changing hands again, the theatre was briefly owned by Warner Bros. before being acquired by its current owners, the TCL Corporation, in 2011. The theatre was then renamed the TCL Chinese Theatre and underwent a major renovation in 2013, which included upgrading the auditorium to house the world's largest IMAX screen.

Architecture and Design

The TCL Chinese Theatre's architecture and design are a tribute to Chinese culture and art. The exterior of the building features ornate carvings, statues, and designs that showcase ancient Chinese artistic styles. On the façade, the main entrance is guarded by two large bronze statues of the Chinese lions, a symbol of protection and power.

The theatre's central feature is the grand Forecourt of the Stars, which is surrounded by tall walls adorned with decorative molding, sculpted dragons, and intricate carvings. A large pagoda-like structure towers over the forecourt, with a red-and-gold roof to complete the Chinese theme.

The interior of the theatre is equally as impressive. As visitors enter the Grand Lobby, they are met with a colorful array of Chinese silk lanterns, a hand-carved jade centerpiece, and richly adorned walls and ceilings. The auditorium, which seats over 1,000 guests, has a massive, curved screen that measures 94 feet wide and 46 feet tall, offering a truly immersive movie-going experience.

Forecourt of the Stars

Perhaps the most iconic and well-known aspect of the TCL Chinese Theatre is its Forecourt of the Stars, where celebrities have been leaving their handprints, footprints, and signatures in cement since the theatre's opening. The tradition began by accident when actress Norma Talmadge accidentally stepped into wet cement outside the theatre on opening night. Sid Grauman decided to capitalize on the mishap, inviting other stars to leave their marks in the cement during the theatre's early years. Today, the Forecourt of the Stars features over 200 imprints, from icons like Marilyn Monroe and Humphrey Bogart to current stars like Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston.

Visitors come from all over the world to see the uniquely personal tributes left by their favorite celebrities. The theatre even offers guided tours that provide in-depth information about the history of the stars and the stories behind their individual imprints.

Modern-Day Attractions at TCL Chinese Theatre

Today, the TCL Chinese Theatre remains a major destination for movie premieres, red carpet events, and other film industry gatherings. In addition to its IMAX auditorium, the theatre now offers state-of-the-art laser projection technology and a dedicated Dolby Atmos sound system to provide an unmatched movie experience.

To further enhance the theatre's offerings, the TCL Chinese 6 Theatres multiplex was built next door, featuring six additional screens and hosting film festivals, special screenings, and other programming. Moviegoers can even purchase tickets to watch the latest blockbuster films premiering in the IMAX auditorium and the TCL Chinese 6 Theatres. In addition, the facility offers guided tours, a gift shop, and a red-carpet photo op for visitors who want to experience what it's like to be a Hollywood superstar.

Conclusion

The TCL Chinese Theatre stands as a testament to Hollywood's colorful history and continued influence on the world of film. Its stunning architectural features, iconic Forecourt of the Stars, and world-class movie experiences make it a must-see destination for both tourists and locals alike. As Hollywood continues to evolve and innovate, the TCL Chinese Theatre remains a dazzling fixture at the heart of the entertainment industry and a dazzling representation of the magic of the movies.