The Egyptian Theatre is a restored historic cinema at 6712 Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles. Its Egyptian-inspired courtyard and auditorium give a screening a sense of occasion, while the program ranges from classic and international films to themed festivals, premieres and special events. Depending on the screening, you may see a digital presentation or a film print, including 35mm or 70mm. Browse the historic displays and free magazines in the lobby before taking your seat.
A Hollywood cinema opened in 1922
Sid Grauman and Charles E. Toberman opened the Egyptian Theatre in 1922, shortly before the discovery of King Tutankhamen’s tomb helped spark a wave of Egyptian-inspired design. It was the first large movie house on Hollywood Boulevard. Grauman later became associated with the nearby Chinese Theatre, and the Egyptian was one of his early Hollywood projects.
The theater hosted the premiere of Douglas Fairbanks’s Robin Hood on October 18, 1922. It is often identified as the first film premiere of its kind. The building’s Egyptian motifs made the setting part of the event: the design included scarab details and hieroglyphic decoration, tying the cinema to the era’s fascination with ancient Egypt.
Courtyard and Egyptian-inspired details
Set back from Hollywood Boulevard, the theater is reached through a gate and an open-air forecourt. This courtyard gives the entrance a different feel from a conventional multiplex lobby. Look for the Egyptian references across the building, including hieroglyphic decoration and golden scarab designs on the ceiling.
The theater has undergone major restoration more than once. A large rehabilitation led by the American Cinematheque brought it back into use in 1998. Netflix later oversaw a three-year restoration, and the cinema reopened in November 2023. The lobby includes historic artifacts and free magazines, so there is something to look at before the screening begins.
Films, festivals and special events
The 516-seat auditorium can screen digital films and several kinds of film print, including 35mm, 70mm and nitrate. The format depends on the program, so check the details of the screening if you have a particular presentation in mind. The schedule includes classic cinema, international films, retrospectives, themed mini-festivals and one-off question-and-answer events.
The American Cinematheque programs weekend screenings, while Netflix uses the venue for premieres and special events on weekdays. That split means the theater can host both curated repertory programs and industry events. The food concessions and restrooms are on site, and the building has a wheelchair-accessible elevator. Parking options include a paid lot and paid street parking.
Perguntas frequentes
When did the Egyptian Theatre open?
The theater opened in 1922 on Hollywood Boulevard.
What kinds of films are shown at the Egyptian Theatre?
The program includes classic and international films, retrospectives, themed festivals and special events. Screenings may be digital or use film prints such as 35mm or 70mm.
Who programs screenings at the Egyptian Theatre?
The American Cinematheque schedules weekend programming. Netflix uses the theater for premieres and special events on weekdays.
Is the Egyptian Theatre wheelchair accessible?
The theater has a wheelchair-accessible elevator.
