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Egyptian Theatre

Egyptian Theatre

Architects: Meyer & Holler

First Opened: 18th October 1922 (101 years ago)

Reopened after renovation by American Cinematheque: 4th December 1998

Reopened after renovation by Netflix: 9th November 2023

Websites: www.egyptiantheatre.com Open website in new window   about.netflix.com/en/news/egyptian-theatre Open website in new window

Telephone: (323) 461-2020 Call (323) 461-2020

Address: 6712 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028 Show address in Google Maps (new window)


Built in the early 1920s, the Egyptian Theatre was was the site of the first Hollywood movie premiere. The theatre was designed by Meyer & Holler in a Revival-Egyptian style due to public fascination with Egyptian archaeology. This proved to be extremely fortuitous given Howard Carter’s discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamun just one month after the theatre opened.

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Detailed Information

1922 Auditorium
1922 Auditorium

The Egyptian was built by local businessman Charles E. Toberman, who employed Meyer & Holler to design the theatre and recruited noted showman Sid Grauman to manage and program the theatre. Construction, on the site of a former lemon ranch, lasted 18 months and was reported to have cost $800,000.

The Egyptian Theatre was originally planned to have a Mediterranean theme but was changed to Egyptian prior to construction starting. The red roof tiles above the main entrance are seemingly a holdover from the original Spanish design. We’ll never know if the story that the roof tiles had already been dispatched by the time the change in design direction had occurred is true or not, but it makes for a plausible story.

When opened in late 1922 the auditorium seated 1,771 all on one level. There were six large “windows” in the rear auditorium wall, two of which were private boxes for Sid Grauman’s guests.

On either side of the auditorium there were Singer’s Boxes, used for the elaborate prologues Grauman was famous for staging prior to movie screenings. Whereas the house right singer’s box was directly accessible from the dressing rooms, the house left singer’s box required a trip out the Stage Door and along a cement sidewalk before ascending a short ladder to the box, probably negotiating at least two doors to shield noise and light.

Auditorium and stage in 1922
Auditorium and stage in 1922

The proscenium was flanked with two pairs of gargantuan plaster pillars of 6ft (1.8m) diameter, with Sphinx sculptures between them at floor level, and capped overhead with elaborate decorative stepped plaster beams. The whole affair framed the proscenium and visually stepped-in towards it from the wider and higher auditorium.

At the center of the outermost plasterwork beam was a winged scarab Khepri surmounted by the traditional medallion supported by snakes. Colored lights behind the scarab would have provided a glow through the open holes around the plasterwork design.

The centerpiece of the auditorium was a massive stylized sunburst device on the ceiling which was in fact an organ grille. Above the plasterwork beams framing the proscenium sat two organ chambers concealed from view, from where the organ would “speak” into the auditorium via the sunburst organ grille. Because of the 15ft (4.6m) height limit within the chambers the longer pipes were housed along the Stage Left wall, above the Load-In door, in an arrangement similar to the El Capitan Theatre just a few blocks west on Hollywood Boulevard.

Organ Grille in Auditorium Ceiling
Organ Grille in Auditorium Ceiling

The auditorium included a large orchestra pit to house the musicians who accompanied the elaborate prologues, in addition to the organ console.

The Egyptian was one of a few theatres built in Southern California during the 1920s to feature an outdoor courtyard “lobby”. Taking advantage of the agreeable Los Angeles climate, the courtyard allowed patrons to congregate in a large open space, while being in full view of the busy street, thereby attracting passers-by to look in and wonder what was happening inside...and perhaps stop and buy a ticket. Never one to miss a trick, Sid Grauman also used the courtyard to advertise the theatre’s program with props and billboards, even including a life-size elephant to promote The Thief of Bagdad Link opens in new window in 1924!

Other theatres of the time which were built with courtyard lobbies were the Fox Fullerton and Grauman’s Chinese Theatre (both also by the architectural firm of Meyer & Holler, completed in 1925 and 1927 respectively), the Pasadena Playhouse and the Alex Theatre in Glendale (both completed 1925), the Arlington Theatre in Santa Barbara (1931), the Plaza Theatre in Palm Springs (1936), and the Geffen Playhouse (completed 1929 as a masonic lodge).

Hollywood’s first premiere, at the opening of the Egyptian Theatre on 18th October 1922
Hollywood’s first premiere, at the opening of the Egyptian Theatre on 18th October 1922

To reinforce the Egyptian theme and probably to create a unique talking point, Grauman had a Bedouin guard – in full costume – parade back and forth across the top of the tiled roof prior to showtime, in full view of the incoming audience and counting down the minutes so the patrons would not be late to their seats. As noted above, the Spanish-style roof tiles above the entrance hint at the original design intent that the theatre have a Spanish theme.

Opening night at the Egyptian was the premiere of Robin Hood Link opens in new window starring Douglas Fairbanks. The prologue was reported to include a replica of the film’s Nottingham Castle set on the stage of the Egyptian. It was an elaborate affair, making full use of the outdoor courtyard for the stars to make their entrance with the press pack overlooking events from above. Thus the Hollywood movie premiere was born.

Backstage, the Egyptian was a hemp house with a pin rail on the Fly Floor which was on the stage right side. There is no evidence that the theatre was updated with a counterweight system at a later date.

Forecourt in 1924
Forecourt in 1924

In 1927, not long after Grauman opened the Chinese Theatre a few blocks west on Hollywood Boulevard, management of the Egyptian Theatre was taken over by Fox West Coast Theatres. A new neon marquee was added to the front of the building, bridging over the forecourt entrance and featuring readerboards on the reverse side for messages to patrons leaving the theatre.

As was the case with the State Theatre in downtown Los Angeles, operation of the Egyptian was turned-over to United Artists in 1949 as result of the consent decree ruling separating studios from their theatre chains. After some minor redecoration the theatre reopened under United Artists’ control on 2nd December 1949.

In 1955 the Egyptian received updates to equip it for a long run of Oklahoma! Link opens in new window in the TODD-AO format, which saw some parts of the original proscenium removed. Seating was reduced to 1,318.

In 1968 further, and more extensive, updates were made to accommodate Dimension 150 (D-150) projection with an increased seating capacity of 1,340. The 70ft (21m) wide screen meant all of the original proscenium was removed. A new projection booth was also built at the rear of the main floor level.

The theatre closed in 1992 and was sold by United Artists to the City of Los Angeles for $1.7 million. The theatre was declared a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument in September 1993, following a nomination by the Los Angeles Historic Theatre Foundation Link opens in new window.

The theatre suffered significant damage due to the January 1994 Northridge Earthquake and was red-tagged (defined as a structure which has been severely damaged to the degree that the structure is too dangerous to inhabit).

Auditorium in 2016
Auditorium in 2016

In 1996 American Cinematheque Link opens in new window bought the building from the city’s arms-length Community Redevelopment Agency for $1, with the caveat that the building be fully restored and reopened. The exterior was restored to its original condition while the interior was “upgraded” to a new design which effectively dropped stadium seating (main floor and balcony) into the historic auditorium, with sound baffle walls on either side. Interior original details such as hieroglyphics were recreated with plaster outlines showing their original positions.

Following a $13 million renovation, American Cinematheque officially reopened the theatre on Friday 4th December 1998 with the “re-premiere” of Cecil B. DeMille’s 1923 silent film The Ten Commandments Link opens in new window, presented with the original live orchestral score. The evening’s gala event, devised by Cinematheque executive director Barbara Smith, came 75 years to the day after the movie originally premiered at the Egyptian Theatre.

The redesigned auditorium configuration was smaller (originally reported as seating 630; now reported as 616) however boasted a balcony in addition to better seating, sightlines, and sound system. A second and much smaller screening theatre (78 seats) was also added. The auditorium ceiling with its magnificent sunburst organ grille was preserved, as were the singer’s boxes. Some of the theatre’s original decorative items still remain on-site although hidden from general public view.

In July 2016 the projection booth was upgraded to allow the screening of 35mm nitrate prints. The walls of the booth were upgraded to provide better fire resistance and a new ventilation system, separate to the rest of the theatre, was added.

Rendering of the renovated theatre, <i>courtesy Netflix</i>
Rendering of the renovated theatre, courtesy Netflix

In Summer 2019 several media outlets reported that media giant Netflix Link opens in new window was in talks with American Cinematheque to acquire the Egyptian Theatre. In late May 2020 the Los Angeles Times reported that Link opens in new window Netflix had closed the deal to purchase the theatre for an undisclosed sum from American Cinematheque. It was stated that American Cinematheque would continue to program its screenings on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, while Netflix would use the theatre to hold premieres and filmmaker events for its growing movie business on weekdays. American Cinematheque said the purchase would provide the organization with a much-needed influx of cash to fund a renovation of the venue and to present more of its signature programming, including filmmaker Q&As and film festivals.

On the Egyptian’s 101st birthday, 18th October 2023, it was announced Link opens in new window that the theatre would reopen on Thursday 9th November 2023 with The Killer (2023) Link opens in new window, following its $70 million renovation.

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Listed/Landmark Building Status

Further Reading

Online

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Technical Information

General Information
Seating Capacity
516
Movie Projection
Film Formats
35mm (including nitrate), 70mm
Projection Angle
6 degrees
Projection Throw
92ft (28m)
Screen Dimensions
53ft by 27ft (16m by 8m)
Historic Photos & Documents
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Photos of the Egyptian Theatre

Jump to Photo Section:

  1. Auditorium
  2. Exterior
  3. Public Areas
  4. Auditorium (Pre-Renovation)
  5. Exterior (Pre-Renovation)
  6. Other Public Areas (Pre-Renovation)
  7. Backstage (Pre-Renovation)
Auditorium

The auditorium originally sat 1,760 on a single level. Seating capacity was 618 on two levels from 1998, and following Netflix’s renovation the seating capacity is now 516.

Exterior

The theatre’s courtyard is 45ft wide and 125ft long (13.7m by 38m). The shops lining the left side of the courtyard originally housed Egyptian-themed business such as a rug maker. They now house a Netflix store (nearest Hollywood Boulevard) and host support areas.

Public Areas

The Netflix renovation removed the 77-seat Steven Spielberg Theatre, replacing the theatre with an expanded concessions and event hosting area.

Auditorium (Pre-Renovation)

The auditorium, was called the Lloyd E. Rigler Theatre prior to the 2022’s renovation by Netflix, and sat 618 on two levels (Main floor: 504; Balcony: 114). The auditorium originally sat 1,760 on a single level.

The 1990’s renovations greatly altered the rake of the main floor seating, removed the rear section of seats for lobby space, and added a balcony. The dark blue structures were a main addition of the 1990s renovation and provide services such as lighting, air conditioning, and sound. The structures were designed so as not to intercept with the historic structure. The baffle “walls” provide improved acoustics for movie screenings and opened-up like doors before and after screenings to afford patrons sight of the original structure. Sadly the movable parts were not used in many years and remain closed, providing for good acoustics but hiding much of the historic building from sight.

Exterior (Pre-Renovation)

The theatre’s courtyard is 45ft wide and 125ft long. The shops lining the left side of the courtyard originally housed Egyptian-themed business such as a rug maker. A stairway at the southern end of these shops led to the roof area above the shops, an area where the press pack often gathered to photograph movie premieres. Immediately in front of the theatre entrance the courtyard is wider, with a monumental false entrance from the east (Las Palmas Ave).

Other Public Areas (Pre-Renovation)

During the 1990s renovation the original Orchestra rear (main floor level) seating area was completely removed and the space revamped to add lobby space, concessions area, ADA access, and a small screening theatre (capacity 77) called the Steven Spielberg Theatre.

Backstage (Pre-Renovation)

The movie screen was set far back onto the original stage, with perhaps 10ft remaining before the rear wall.

The main level of the Dressing Room block, comprising the theatre’s original Fan Room and Battery Room, were used for storage. Dressing Rooms occupied the remaining two levels, with the first level also providing access to the House Right Singer’s Balcony. There were various pieces stored from the theatre’s history, most notably the oblong-shaped “urns” which were used as decoration on either side of the Singer’s Balconies and can be seen in photos dating from 1922. The urns were returned to their original positions, flanking the Singer’s Balconies, during the 2020’s Netflix renovations.



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