TCL Chinese Theatre

The TCL Chinese Theatre is one of the most iconic and recognizable landmarks in Hollywood, known worldwide for its distinctive Chinese architecture and the celebrity handprints, footprints, and signatures embedded in its concrete forecourt. Originally opened in 1927 as Grauman's Chinese Theatre, this historic movie palace has been the site of countless movie premieres and remains a symbol of Hollywood glamour.

The theatre's elaborate Chinese-inspired design features a pagoda-style roof, stone dragons, and ornate decorative elements that create an immersive atmosphere. Inside, the auditorium continues the theme with Chinese lanterns, murals, and a ceiling that resembles a night sky. The theatre has hosted some of the most significant movie premieres in Hollywood history, from the silent era to today's blockbusters.

Today, the TCL Chinese Theatre continues to be a premier venue for movie premieres, special events, and regular film screenings. It's also one of the most popular tourist destinations in Los Angeles, drawing millions of visitors each year who come to see the celebrity handprints and experience the magic of this historic venue.

The TCL Chinese Theatre was built by Sid Grauman, a showman who had previously built the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood. Grauman was inspired by Chinese architecture and wanted to create a movie palace that would transport audiences to another world. The theatre was designed by architect Raymond M. Kennedy and opened on May 18, 1927, with the premiere of Cecil B. DeMille's "The King of Kings."

The theatre quickly became the premier venue for movie premieres in Hollywood. Its grand opening was attended by many of the biggest stars of the day, including Mary Pickford, Douglas Fairbanks, and Charlie Chaplin. The theatre's success led to the creation of the famous handprint ceremony, which began in 1927 when actress Norma Talmadge accidentally stepped in wet concrete outside the theatre.

Over the decades, the theatre has hosted countless premieres and has been the site of many historic moments in cinema. It has survived earthquakes, renovations, and changes in ownership, always maintaining its status as a Hollywood icon. In 2013, the theatre was renamed the TCL Chinese Theatre after a sponsorship agreement with TCL Corporation.

The theatre was designated a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument in 1968 and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2013, ensuring its preservation for future generations.

The TCL Chinese Theatre is a masterpiece of Chinese-inspired architecture, designed to create an immersive and exotic atmosphere for moviegoers. The building's design incorporates elements from various Chinese architectural styles, creating a fantasy version of Chinese culture that was popular in the 1920s.

Exterior Features

• Pagoda Roof: The distinctive curved roof with upturned eaves
• Stone Dragons: Massive dragon sculptures flanking the entrance
• Chinese Lanterns: Traditional lanterns hanging from the facade
• Ornate Carvings: Detailed stone carvings throughout the exterior
• Forecourt: The famous concrete courtyard with celebrity handprints

Interior Design

• Lobby: Grand entrance with Chinese murals and decorative elements
• Auditorium: Seats over 1,100 people with Chinese-themed decorations
• Ceiling: Designed to resemble a night sky with stars
• Stage: Large stage for premieres and special events
• IMAX Screen: One of the largest IMAX screens in the world

The most famous feature of the TCL Chinese Theatre is its forecourt, which contains the handprints, footprints, and signatures of hundreds of celebrities. This tradition began in 1927 when actress Norma Talmadge accidentally stepped in wet concrete outside the theatre. Sid Grauman saw this as an opportunity and invited other stars to leave their marks.

Notable Handprints

• Charlie Chaplin: One of the first celebrities to leave handprints
• Mary Pickford & Douglas Fairbanks: Hollywood's first power couple
• Clark Gable: The "King of Hollywood"
• Marilyn Monroe: One of the most photographed handprints
• John Wayne: The Duke's iconic handprints
• Harrison Ford: Modern star with handprints and whip
• Tom Hanks: Beloved actor with handprints and "Wilson" volleyball

Unique Imprints

• Betty Grable's Legs: Famous pin-up's leg prints
• Jimmy Durante's Nose: Comedian's distinctive nose print
• R2-D2's Wheels: Star Wars droid's wheel prints
• Winnie the Pooh's Paw: Disney character's paw print
• Harry Potter's Wand: Magical wand imprint

The TCL Chinese Theatre has hosted some of the most significant movie premieres in Hollywood history, from the silent era to today's blockbusters. The theatre's grand opening in 1927 set the standard for movie premieres, and it continues to be the preferred venue for major studio releases.

Historic Premieres

• 1927: "The King of Kings" - Opening night premiere
• 1939: "Gone with the Wind" - Epic Civil War drama
• 1959: "Ben-Hur" - Biblical epic with record-breaking Oscars
• 1977: "Star Wars" - Changed cinema forever
• 1982: "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial" - Spielberg's classic
• 1997: "Titanic" - Record-breaking romance

Modern Blockbusters

• 2008: "Iron Man" - Launched the Marvel Cinematic Universe
• 2015: "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" - Return to a galaxy far, far away
• 2019: "Avengers: Endgame" - Epic conclusion to the Infinity Saga
• 2021: "No Time to Die" - James Bond's latest adventure
• 2022: "Top Gun: Maverick" - High-flying sequel

• Visit early morning: Fewer crowds for viewing handprints
• Bring a camera: The theatre is incredibly photogenic
• Check for premieres: The theatre may be closed for special events
• Combine with other attractions: Located near Walk of Fame and other Hollywood sites
• Watch a movie: Experience the theatre's amazing IMAX screen
• Look for your favorite stars: Take time to find specific handprints
• Visit at night: The theatre is beautifully lit after dark