Built In 1926, The Hollywood Theatre Is An Oregon Landmark
By Sarah McCosham|Published March 18, 2021
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Sarah McCosham
Author
I write like it's my job - because it is! I have a Master's in English and love words: crossword puzzles, Scrabble games, Wordle, and, of course, good, old-fashioned books.
I'm a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState, and a contributing writer at Cincinnati Magazine. I love the Great Outdoors and am endlessly awestruck by this beautiful country of ours. Coffee keeps me going, yoga keeps me sane, my kids keep me grounded, and my writing keeps me inspired.
Portland is a place that celebrates the arts, with inspired art communities and museums all around the city. But perhaps the most famous and iconic is the Hollywood Theatre. Built in 1926, the Hollywood Theatre is an Oregon Landmark; a place that celebrates the old, and welcomes the new. While most well-known for showing classic film reels on its 50-foot screen, the Hollywood also shows experimental titles, art house flicks, and regularly hosts film festivals in its historic building. The Hollywood Theatre has welcomed many famous actors and directors over the years, and continues to shine as an artistic center in the community.
One of Oregon's most splendid treasures, The Hollywood Theatre, has been entertaining Portlanders since 1926.
The theatre is actually owned by the non-profit organization Film Action Oregon, who took the reins in 1997 and truly transformed this theatre into what it is today.
Since its opening, the Hollywood Theatre has been a place for dreamers and artists.
A 1,500-seat theatre complete with an eight-piece orchestra and in-house organist, the Hollywood Theatre was the last venue in Portland built as both a vaudeville house and a movie theatre.
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Over the years, many famous actors have visited the historic theatre, including George Takei.
In 2017, in partnership with the Port of Portland, the Hollywood opened a 17-seat microcinema in the Portland International Airport. The first of its kind, this cinema showcases short films by Oregon filmmakers—and tickets are free.
Following the events and closures of 2020, the Hollywood pivoted to bring cinema to the people.
Today, this Oregon theatre has a national reputation for award-winning film programming, innovative educational programs, and supporting independent filmmakers.
It remains a place of intrigue and inspiration, its stunning building anchoring Portland's Hollywood District (named, in fact, for the eponymous theatre).
This nearly century-old building is a beloved Portland landmark, bringing the art of film to life on the big screen, and inspiring new generations of artists and visionaries.
The Hollywood Theatre isn’t simply a historic Oregon landmark; it’s the creative cornerstone of the Portland art community, and a place with a vision that continues to reach far beyond its historic halls. Check out showtimes, events, and ticket information at the Hollywood Theatre website.
