This Iconic Southern California Tourist Attraction Is Slated For A Comeback

I grew up around Los Angeles, but even if you have never been here, I guarantee that the mention of Hollywood brings to mind blockbuster films, movie stars, and red-carpet events. At the heart of all of this have been a host of iconic theaters, some of which have been abandoned and others restored. Due to the impacts of online streaming, the pandemic, etc., the world of cinema has experienced a major shift which has affected many of these venues. There is one famed theater, however, that is seeing a light at the end of its proverbial tunnel - the Cinerama Dome in Hollywood.

The well-known white dome, most recently operating as the Arclight theater, has been an iconic sight and beloved movie destination on Hollywood’s Sunset Boulevard since 1963 when it opened with the star-studded premiere of “It’s a Mad Mad Mad Mad World.” It was designated a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument in 1998.

Since the beginning, this theater has stood out not only for its unique architectural features but for its awesome displays of Hollywood movie memorabilia.

Just driving or walking by the dome is often an entertaining experience (not to mention a fun photo op) due to the massive movie-themed decor it has donned over the years, from Minions to Spiderman to Shrek’s green head and ears, and so much more.

At its opening, the uniquely curved movie screen in the dome was the largest of its kind in the world, measuring a whopping 86 feet wide and 32 feet high.

With the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, the theater closed its doors temporarily. Sadly, it never re-opened and closed permanently in April 2021.

With several Arclight locations being taken over by rival theater companies, and other historic LA theaters experiencing a revival, the beloved Cinerama Dome’s future seemed uncertain and bleak.

Despite becoming a bit of a Hollywood mystery for some time, not all hope was lost. In 2022, movie-goers and media became aware of intentions to re-open the dormant theater under a new name, with little or no change to the famous dome itself, but with the addition of two new bars and a restaurant.

The predicted date of reopening has been pushed back a couple of times, but hopes are that in 2025, Hollywood fans will once again be welcomed into the incredible Cinerama Dome.

Have you ever been to the Cinerama Dome in Hollywood? Are you excited to see it re-open? Share your thoughts and memories with us in the comments! If you are a fan of movies and iconic LA history, I think you should check out this "Golden Age of Hollywood" tour!

Looking for fun and unique things to do in Southern California? Check out more of our favorite attractions.