Million Dollar Theater

Built in 1918, this was Sid Grauman's first movie house. He went on to build the Chinese and Egyptian theaters in Hollywood. In the 1930s and 1940s the Million Dollar Theatre was a venue for popular big bands and live acts that included the Nat King Cole Trio. In the 1950s it became America's premier venue for Spanish-language variety shows including Dolores Del Rio, Jose Feliciano and Celia Cruz. For a time it was the most prominent Spanish language cinema in the United States.

Recently came here for a screening of Pretty in Pink. Historical theatre building right next to Grand Central Market, which makes for yummy pre event noshing. The chairs aren't the most comfortable but it seemed like most of them offer an unobstructed view. Decor was an interesting blend of Gothic and some kind of Mayan looking sculptures. I love old buildings so this was up my alley.

Came here for the "A Day on Broadway" event.This was my first stop. There was so many people during this event.Thanks Carrie for letting me know of all the cool stuff happening in DTLA.Pro-tip : If you do join, remember Ace Hotel is blocks from here. So don't be late.Pro-tip 2: If you come during another event, remember that they are concurrently holding walking tours. So, don't join a group waiting outside of the theater but walk inside and take a seat. Before there was Grauman's Chinese Theatre, there was Grauman's Egyptian Theatre.But did you know that before that, Grauman's first theater in LA was here.Movie premieres were held here. We were able to travel back in time with the slides. See pictures.Fascinating history of this place.What would this place look like once fully restored?Overall, a piece of LA downtown and history.

Came here for a free screening of "the chef" with special appearance by Roy Choi and John Favreau, director of Ironman! Great movie but the theatre did not live up to my dtla-hidden-gem-expectation. The theatre looked fancy with its European architecture decor inside. Located right next to Grand Central park. They were OK with us bringing in food. Parking isn't easy unless you pay. All the seats are so close together i didn't have much leg room (5'1"). Tall people will definitely suffer. Luckily we sat in the front where the rails were so we got to stick our legs out while I bump into someone's knee everytime I leaned back. Another disappointing thing is that there's only one bathroom. They have a lot of space to accommodate hundreds of people inside but there's only one bathroom for ladies which is located on the second floor. I saw the line grow all the way into the theatre.