Egyptian Theatre Verified listing

The Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles, is a landmark of cinematic history, renowned for its distinctive Egyptian Revival architecture. Opened in 1922 by showman Sid Grauman, it was the site of Hollywood's first-ever film premiere, showcasing Douglas Fairbanks' Robin Hood and establishing the red carpet tradition citeturn0search0. Designed by architects Meyer & Holler, the theatre's elaborate design and grandeur set a new standard for movie palaces of the era.

Over the decades, the Egyptian Theatre experienced periods of decline, including closure in 1992 and damage from the 1994 Northridge earthquake citeturn0search5. In 1996, the American Cinematheque acquired the theater for $1, committing to its restoration and reopening it in 1998 as a venue for classic and independent films citeturn0search15. In 2020, Netflix purchased the building and, in collaboration with the American Cinematheque, undertook a $70 million restoration to return the theater to its original 1922 grandeur citeturn0search4. The theater officially reopened on November 9, 2023.

Today, the Egyptian Theatre operates under a shared programming arrangement: Netflix screens films from Monday through Thursday, while the American Cinematheque presents repertory and special screenings on weekends citeturn0search4. The restoration has revitalized the theatre's iconic forecourt and auditorium, blending historical authenticity with modern cinematic technology. The Egyptian Theatre continues to serve as a cultural hub, celebrating both Hollywood's golden past and contemporary filmmaking.