Hollywood Attraction: TCL Chinese Theatre

Tucked away on Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles, California is the TCL Chinese Theatre. It was built in 1927 and has been a popular spot for celebrities to visit since it opened. The theatre was originally called Grauman’s Chinese Theatre when it first opened and had an elaborate red carpet that extended from the front of the building all the way down Hollywood Boulevard. Since then, many other theaters have popped up along LA’s famous street but none can compete with this one!

The TCL Chinese Theatre is an absolute Los Angeles must see! It’s one of the most popular tourist destinations in Los Angeles, California. The theatre features a gilded exterior with over 40 statues depicting both Ancient China and Hollywood royalty alike lining the front of the building. You’ll also notice two large stone urns to either side of the entrance, which represent the stage and audience in traditional Chinese theatre.

The history of TCL and LA

The TCL Chinese Theatre offers a glimpse of Los Angeles’s history, as well as its present day popularity. It was designed by architect William Pereira and opened on November 11, 1927 with the film The King of Kings starring Houdini himself! Since then, many other theaters have popped up in the neighborhood, but none other has the same charm as the TCL Chinese Theatre, which is why it’s Los Angeles’ most popular tourist attraction.

The exterior of this Los Angeles landmark is nothing short of spectacular – a gilded facade with over 40 statues depicting both Ancient China and Hollywood royalty alike line the front entrance to the theater, including two large stone urns that represent the stage and audience in traditional Chinese theatre. You’ll also notice chinoiserie accents on wrought-iron balconies located off each side of center doors and an ornamental crest on top bearing its name: “TCL.”

Fun facts from the history of TCL

TCL’s first show was the 1927 Ziegfield Follies starring Anna Pavlova.

This Los Angeles landmark has been a prime location for premieres and award ceremonies, including:

– Red Carpet arrivals at the Oscars in 1953 with Marilyn Monroe on hand as presenter

– Walt Disney unveiling an animatronic dinosaur to great fanfare in 1968

– The Los Angles premiere of Titanic in 1997 where 200 people were turned away from overcrowding

– Marvel Studios’ Iron Man III premiered with Robert Downey Jr. presenting his “Ironman” suit made completely out of tiny LED lights – it took over two years to create by British electronics company Celluon and cost $200,000.

Your next stop: the Petersen Automotive Museum. 

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