Grauman's Chinese Theatre became one of Hollywood’s defining movie palaces after opening in Los Angeles on May 18, 1927, with the premiere of The King of Kings. Developed by Sid Grauman as a grand cinema after the success of his Egyptian Theatre, it was designed in an Exotic Revival style by Meyer & Holler with Raymond M. Kennedy as principal architect. Its lavish architecture and especially its concrete forecourt of celebrity handprints and footprints made it a lasting symbol of Hollywood. The theater also hosted major premieres, Academy Awards ceremonies, and later restorations and renamings while remaining an active first-run cinema.

Photo: Wikipedia · Public domain

Photo: Wikipedia · Public domain

Photo: Wikipedia · Public domain