The Million Dollar Theater is a historic movie palace at 307 S Broadway in downtown Los Angeles. Opened in 1918 by showman Sid Grauman, it was among the city’s first theaters built specifically for films. Its ornate Churrigueresque design includes a façade by sculptor Joseph Mora and an auditorium inspired by the fairy tale “King of the Golden River.” Today, the theater hosts screenings, performances and special events. Go for the architecture and the chance to experience a landmark from Los Angeles’s early movie-palace era.
A movie palace built in 1918
Sid Grauman opened the Million Dollar Theater in February 1918 as his first move into grand movie palaces. It was built specifically for showing films, at a time when purpose-built theaters could turn a screening into a full evening out. Its original capacity was 2,345 seats, placing it among the largest movie palaces in the country.
The theater’s name came from its reported $1 million cost. At its premiere, it hosted Douglas Fairbanks Sr. Other film figures associated with its early years include Gloria Swanson, Rudolph Valentino and a young Judy Garland.
Architecture and auditorium
Architect Albert C. Martin Sr. designed the theater in an ornate Churrigueresque style, a form of Spanish Baroque architecture. Sculptor Joseph Mora created its distinctive façade. Inside, the auditorium’s design draws on the fairy tale “King of the Golden River,” giving the space a character shaped by more than its role as a place to watch films.
The building also introduced an unusual engineering feature: a 110-foot-wide balcony supported by a reinforced concrete girder. Its original design included an organ, adding live music to the movie-going experience.
Screenings and special events
The Million Dollar Theater now serves as an event and filming location, with movie screenings and live performances among its uses. Some event programs have included special tours, with access to areas behind the screen and in the basement. These visits are tied to particular events, so check the program if you are hoping to see parts of the building beyond the public areas.
The theater’s historic interior is part of the visit, though comfort is more limited than in a modern cinema. The seats are narrow, and the balcony has been reported to carry projector noise during screenings. Event formats and equipment can differ, so the experience depends in part on what is scheduled.
Perguntas frequentes
When did the Million Dollar Theater open?
Sid Grauman opened it in February 1918.
What architectural style is the theater?
It was designed in an ornate Churrigueresque style by architect Albert C. Martin Sr. Sculptor Joseph Mora created the façade.
Can you tour the theater?
Some special events have included tours of areas such as behind the screen and the basement. Check the event program, since this access is not described as a regular feature.
How can I get to the Million Dollar Theater without driving?
Nearby LA Metro stations provide a public-transport option. Parking in the area can be difficult.
