The TCL Chinese Theatre is located in the Hollywood neighbourhood, Los Angeles, California, and is considered to be one of the most renowned movie palaces in the world. It was originally called Grauman Chinese Theatre and was constructed by showman Sid Grauman. TLC Chinese was launched on May 18, 1927, with the release of Cecil B. DeMille’s film “The King of Kings”. The theatre is designed in the style of an enormous Chinese pagoda and is characterised by its elaborate architectural features, such as the giant dragon on the front side and the stone Heaven Dogs that protect the entrance. This theatre is famous for the court where 200 movie celebrities have left their handprints and footprints in cement as well as their signatures. In 1968, the building was made a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument, and in 2013 purchased by Chinese-based electronics manufacturer TCL Corporation, and this monument was officially renamed the TCL Chinese Theatre.
What to See & Do at TCL Chinese Theatre?
Here are the five things to see and do in TCL Chinese Theatre:
- Forecourt of the Stars
Forecourt of the Stars is the famous courtyard right in front of the theatre. It has the handprints, footprints, and signatures of 200 famous Hollywood celebrities since 1927, which are cast in concrete. The Chinese Theatre gets to meet you with famous Hollywood stars such as Marilyn Monroe, Emma Watson and Tom Hanks. It is one of the major Hollywood sights and an ideal place to take a photo with Hollywood stars.
- VIP Guided Tour
It’s a 30-minute guided tour through the historic movie palace, which brings you inside the theatre building to find out about its history and architecture. The tour brings you inside the theatre room where you can listen to funny tales and facts about the landmark by a well-informed guide. The tour costs $18-$10 per person.
- IMAX Movie Screenings
IMAX auditorium has an enormous, curving screen together with state-of-the-art laser projection and sound. It’s the historic movie palace combined with the technology that provides you with a unique and captivating filming experience. The per-ticket cost is $12.
- Red Carpet Event or Premiere
A Red Carpet Event is a glamorous movie premiere, marking the debut of a new film where the cast and crew gather to celebrate its launch. It has a vibrant red carpet in front of the theatre that gives an elegant and classy look. At the Red Carpet Event, you get an opportunity to meet movie stars and filmmakers face-to-face as they come out to promote their film. It provides a first-hand, uncensored peek into Hollywood.
- Hollywood & Highland Complex
Ovation Hollywood is a huge entertainment and retail complex which is tied to the TCL Chinese Theatre and Dolby Theatre. The complex has impressive architecture based on the sets of the silent movie, high columns and sculptures of elephants.
How to Get Around TCL Chinese Theatre?
Here are the five ways to get around TCL Chinese Theatre:
- Walking
Walking is the best option to visit the theatre because it is located in the heart of the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The handprints and footprints of the Hollywood stars are in the forecourt of the theatre and can be accessed by walking on Hollywood Boulevard.
- Metro Red Line
The Metro B line (previously the red line) has an easy connection to the theatre and the Hollywood/Highland station. A single ride in the Los Angeles Metro costs $1.75, and you have to buy a reusable TAP card worth $1-$2 to pay the fare. A FlyAway bus to Union Station at LAX and a ride on the Metro Red Line to the Hollywood/Highland station cost $8.50.
- Ride-Share (Uber/Lyft) & Taxis
Taxis/ Uber/Lyft (ride-share) is a flexible ride-hailing service. During the non-rush hour, a taxi ride between the Chinese Theatre and LAX costs between $50 and $60.
- Limo & Car Services
Limo and Car Services is luxury car services that provide a luxurious and private form of transportation. In one-way transportation between LAX and Hollywood it costs $450-$630.
- Parking
Parking is available locally in the Chinese Theatre. The parking area is available under the Dolby Theatre and Highland Centre, which is just beside the Chinese Theatre. The parking fees are $2.00.
- Biking/Scooters
Bikes and Scooters on rent are available in Los Angeles and West Hollywood, provided by such companies as Lime. The rental cost is $10. Always wear a helmet and keep an eye on traffic. The Metro bike share app is available to rent Bikes and Scooters.
