Wow, the Million Dollar theater is just gorgeous!!! I was signed up by Renaissance club for an immersion experience with Curtain Call LA and I almost cancelled it because after bingeing the show Traitors it seemed like something I didn't think I could do. Then I decided to just go for it and I'm so glad I did! On arrival it was so convenient that there is a parking lot right across the street laterally, and it's only $10. The only scary thing is the guys watching the cars also stared at me too long which made me uncomfortable, but my car did stay safe the entire several hours I was in the theater! Upon entering I was awed by the beautiful nostalgic essence of the theater, it made me feel like there must have been so many people who have walked these halls. Everything was decorated with electric glowing candles and roses on every table. The bar area was generously filled with delicious empanadas, and an assortment of veggies with hummus. When our whole group had arrived, we were led into the main theater, which is so HUGE. It was really amazing to see and i got so caught up in the game that I forgot to take a photo facing the chairs. I won't tell too much about the game, but as I mentioned above the game was based on the show Traitors. I couldn't believe it, when I opened my envelope I was chosen as a villain. It's all fun and everyone is laughing the first few rounds, but then it gets serious and harder the last few rounds. In the end, both with luck and with hard work, I can't believe won the game!!!!! By the end of the game I was pretty soaked in sweat since the building is old it doesn't have any air conditioning! No vents anywhere. They did have a large fan blowing but due to the enormity of the building honestly the fan didn't feel much cooler. So if you're going to be coming to this venue in the future either to play a game or see a show, I recommend not wearing hot clothes, and maybe bring one of those neck fans with you. I hope to be able to attend more events at the Million Dollar Theatre in the future because it's beautiful and next time I'll bring my fan :) read more

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We saw Father's Day showing of Indiana Jones The Final Crusade. So much fun. Cool spiel before the film about the theater and the movie. who knew The Finak Crusade was based on 007 movie From Russia With Love? We brought food in from Grand Central Market and had dessert there after the show. The audience was cheering Indiana and booing the Nazis, a wonderful responsive crowd is what movies are all about. We will be back soon, everyone had a blast! read more

Just you should have an experience going to one of glamorous places in Los Angeles. It is practically the first golden age theater, 1918 where many celebrities showed up or performed there. Okay, the sounds and AC are not the best, but, it is really cool watching a movie there. Look the L.A. Conservancy website and dates of events there. If you have allergies, use your medicine and go. I know a lot carpet. But, it is worth! The people at 20's were tiny, because the chairs are smaller than now. read more

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A beautiful, historic theater filled with details, charm, and so much beauty. It is an old building. Not as well maintained as others with seats worn, and the wood beams on the balcony needing maintenance and a paint job. But it's all part of the historic charm. Would be nice to see this place better preserved as the architecture, structural elements, and facade are really beautiful. Based on comfortability of the seats, I can imagine these are the original seats from the 1920's. Especially considereing that the spacing between seats is limited. If you are a taller person, I recommend sitting on the ground floor and not the balcony. Nonetheless, working in a historic building myself, I understand the paperwork that comes for any major repair or renovations for especially as you don't want to jeopardize the historic aspect of the building. Overall, a wonderful experience seeing Coco in theaters for their Day of the Dead event in partnership with Street Food Cinema, DTLA Alliance, Grand Central Market and Historic Core BID. It was beautiful to see the community and families take advantage of such a wonderful experience, especially as many don't ever get to experience Theater like this, in a place so grand! read more

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The Million Dollar Theater is a historic movie palace in downtown Los Angeles, right next to Grand Central Market off of Broadway & 3rd St. The theater, originally built in 1918, shares an underground tunnel with the Bradbury Building across the street from the Prohibition era. The Million Dollar Theater is home to special movie events/screenings and is definitely worth a visit if you can make it. My wife and I recently came to see The Evil Dead in concert, where a live orchestra played the score during the movie (pretty awesome way to experience a movie). The event even had an underground horror maze for the spooky season. The underground area of the theater was fun to walk through, but watch your head if you make your way down there! We had time before the screening/concert so we got to walk all around the theater to check out every nook/cranny. The stairways are a bit steep so actually use the railings! The auditorium is not quite as well-maintained as one could hope for, but considering the theater is over 100 years old it's holding up fine. The seats can be worn down and narrow so don't expect the comfiest of movie-going experiences. Honestly though, it all adds to the charm! The Million Dollar Theater is a historic landmark and is such a great architectural blast from the past. If you get the chance to see a movie here, don't hesitate to seize the opportunity! Since it's in DTLA, there's plenty of parking lots all over including parking at GCM. read more

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The Million Dollar Theater in DTLA is undeniably beautiful, but it definitely feels like a place that's waiting for some serious TLC. You can tell the bones are good, and if you squint just right, it's easy to imagine how opulent and glamorous it must have been in its prime. The seating, however, was rough, with chairs that felt very small and almost no room for legs or knees, which made settling in for a film a bit uncomfortable. It was still cool to experience the space during the Día de los Muertos festivities and to actually see a movie there, which made the visit feel special and unique. That said, I would be hesitant to pay to attend something here and would be cautious about returning unless there were improvements, but I am glad I got to see the inside at least once. read more

Million Dollar Theater - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Los Angeles, California

I have always loved this building on Broadway in Downtown L.A. It is one of the first movie palaces built in the U.S. and premiered the silent film "The Silent Man" during its opening in 1918. This 12-story building is next door to Grand Central Market and across the street from the Bradbury Building. Both Million Dollar Theater and the Bradbury Building were featured in the 1982 "Blade Runner" movie. Every time I grab a bite at the Market, I like to walk over here and check out both buildings. I love old architecture and like to stand in front of this building from across the street and stare at its facade. There is so much detail on it. I have spotted bison heads and longhorn steer skulls. The Million Dollar Theater was designed by Albert C. Martin Sr. for Sid Grauman. It has a long history here in Los Angeles. Many celebrities made appearances at the Million Dollar Theater during its heyday. The theater is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and is occasionally used for special screenings and events. read more

Million Dollar Theater - Building Facade - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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This review will be unusual due to the fact that I did not watch a flick in this venue but I did see its hidden doors and lights, the ones that lie behind its curtains. And like the many stories that web together to form my life, it begins with my curiosity to learn. My friend Conrad and I were walking and we past a group of people gathering right outside the theatre. I gathered the necessary courage to ask if this was a tour and if we can join? (To be honest, I did not need to cast a spell to summon the courage needed to ask, it kinda always exist within me--- the courage to learn). I was told by a woman with a clipboard (yes one of those) that I could not join because there was a fee associated with the tour. I get it, I did not pay for the privilege to learn so I could not have a proverbial seat on this walking tour. Conrad and I started to walk again, and then I realized I did not have the information I needed, to know if I would want to pay for this tour at a later date. So Conrad and I wait patiently for the woman with the clipboard to finish a conversation. She felt me waiting, but she ignored me, at least that is what I felt, and most people say to trust the story that one's gut paints. As I continued to walk, one of the ladies in the tour told the clipboard holder that they had friends that had paid for the tour and had not come. I was welcomed to their tickets, if that was ok? I did not let the clipboard lady answer, I stepped immediately into the moment and said yes that would work. The lady with the clipboard turned around with a face that conveyed surprise, annoyance, and wow this guy really does not understand that I hold the clipboard. Yet, she agreed to let me walk in the tour. I know, some people might think, I was brazen and uncouth for joining a tour I did not pay for or plan to attend, But to those I say---- I have been in museums and pre-ordered a tour and people around just joined. I share this to spotlight that when others gather others will wonder-- why? And I know that curiosity is rumored to kill cats but curiosity also tends to teach old dogs new tricks, and I for one rather be a dog than a cat, and if one day my curiosity kills me, I will rely on my eight other lives to continue to learn. In a more straightforward way-- this was a tour of a an old theatre, not one that held the secrets of the Vatican, the clipboard lady would be wise to remember that people are not bum rushing her for a spot on this tour. And the tour guy continued explaining that I would have to sign some stuff after the tour, which continued to make me feel like me joining because I saw them gathering was kind of like a faux-pa that should shame me into not attending. So I finally ask--- is it ok if we join because if not we can leave? And then the lady who offered us the tickets said, "no it is okay." I honestly cannot empathize with the workers and their gatekeeping, perhaps I should have said please, and may I, at some point, but again I was joining a tour where others were absent, and where others did not pound a door to get in, so really these two can chill and remember learning sometimes comes first, even for those who did not pay. The first stop in the theatre tour, was to view its outside, with all its ornate carvings. My favorite one was the faces of drama and comedy, the foundation for all scripted productions, and in a way the spirit of the Joker and Batman. When we stepped in, I learned that later that night they were going to show Carrie. I saw an actor or a patron who bought in to the spooky cheer, in a prom dressed covered in blood. The lobby had spiderwebs in the right places. I was in old Hollywood, in modern Halloween. Case in point, I saw a picture (which I clipped) of a ballerina or other type of dancer covered in webs. It communicated the passage of time, from the 1900's till today, and from centuries ago, because all treasures left behind untouched get covered in webs. We also saw where stars of yesteryears got prepared for their moment under the spotlight. The tour guide use a flashlight to point to the rooms that no longer had doors. I think I saw a ghost of a flapper, going into the room, all the while roaring in heels. When we got to the sitting areas, I was in mild awe. The chandeliers above were auspicious, and merited their own zip codes, not because they were huge in size, but huge in glamour. I gotta figure that back in the day when theaters did not have IMAX or 3D, big chandeliers had to be a significant pull factor. I also bought some Reese's cups, in the movie theatre. I wonder if candy and popcorn was sold in the 1900's when movies were getting traction? We also saw the mechanisms that are touched and pull to turn on lights. The guy who was there telling us about it, was in his early 80s and talked about how he traveled the world doing the same type of work. I, of course, really like the purple lights and I wondered if they were purple on purpose to honor the eve? read more

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First and foremost I'd like to say that the owner or manager who opens the movie with a speech was great. His passion for films and filmmaking is obvious, that cannot go unacknowledged or unappreciated and I do feel bad leaving a mostly negative review. With that said, my issues come from the venue itself. I bought a ticket to their May 16th showing of Speed Racer and it was such a let down, I left roughly 20 minutes into the showing. Off the bat their projector was flickering subtly but constantly. Secondly rather than fountain drinks this venue sells can, meaning all throughout the opening of the movie the room was filled with the sound of cans cracking and hissing. Their sound system was a bit lacking, anything beneath the balcony section was rough. Their opening seating plan let me wander for a bit prior to the start of the movie. While checking their balcony I came to realize their projector was making an obvious humming noise that could be heard no matter where you were on the balcony, although I could not hear it on the bottom floor, I think their floor plan and screen size aren't truly compatible. Also I'm not familiar with the practices of theaters and how they setup their projectors, but prior to the movie they were setting up and I am 70% positive that they were projecting a dvd or digital download copy of the movie onto the screen. They did mention that their next event has atleast one movie on film. One additional, admittedly small thing that bothered me a bit was none of their concessions had listed prices, although that's not an experience ruining issue. A final note is that when I first arrived the men's restroom was out of both soap and hand sanitizer, I informed the staff about it they said they check on it and when I left roughly an hour and twenty minutes later there was still no soap in the bathroom. Also for anyone with issues on stairs it is worth nothing that the men's bathroom is at the base of two flights to stairs with seemingly no alternative, however I did not need accommodations so I can't say for sure that there are none, but play it safe and call ahead. I did consider asking for a refund but no one was in the lobby for me to talk to and I didn't want to wait around for someone to wander in. Ultimately for a place charging 14 dollars a ticket, nearly the same as a modern theater, the product does not match that price point. I understand that I seem to be in the vocal minority about my experience here, and again I have no issues with the owner or the staff, this is simply just not the best place to enjoy a movie. read more

So nice to see older spaces preserved rather than leveled. Wonderful acoustics and a very intimate space for such a large city. Hope this beautiful theater is around for generations to come. read more

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It's a great movie theater I just saw their double feature today of its wonderful life and chopper around the corner, and it was fantastic seeing those vintage films on the big screen. The theater itself has a nice history to it, and it was a pleasure being part of this event they say they're going to be doing more next year and I can't wait to go back to the next one highly recommend. read more

The Million Dollar Theater is one of the historic ones located in Broadway Theater District in DTLA. It is right across from the Bradbury Building, easy to find, a short walk from Pershing Square (I take the subaway to get here). It was built by the famous Sid Grauman in 1918 as a movie palace in Spanish Colonial Revival style. It has a long history and a few owners since then. But I am glad it is around. If you can visit it during a tour, it is a treat. Or if you get to see a show or a movie here it is even better! read more

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Had a great opportunity to take a quick peak behind the curtain so to speak of this very historic theatre. Beyond the curtain there is a green room and dressing rooms. Below in the basement so the story goes was a speakeasy back in the day. The auditorium has an abundance of seating including balcony seating. The projection room has both digital projection and much older versions of the projectors. Also very surprising to find upstairs is a two seat barber shop. If only these walls could talk, the stories they would tell. read more

Did you know the person who made the million Dollar Theatre made Chinese Theater in Hollywood. The Million Dollar was the first movie house built by entrepreneur Sid Grauman in 1918 as the first grand cinema palace in L.A. I could see that actually very ornate style . Spanish renaissance architectural design Super fancy the opposite of modern . Later, he would be responsible for making Grauman Egyptian Theatre another very elaborate building. . We landed here specifically because my mom's husband wanted to see it. He said in the 50s he used Come here and watch Latin cinema. He said the roof was gold. It was such a big deal. Back then $1 million was like $1 billion today. Latin people used to get dressed up in their best and come watch the greats. This was a time when Latin people were very hush-hush about being Latin. So it was awesome to know that there was a place that welcome them , and that was the million Dollar Theatre. Today me a very proud Latin girl Is excited to recognize the artist in the Lobby. As soon as we got there, I started taking pictures. The manager just happened to see us peeking in the window and asked us do you want to come in? Everything just worked out perfect he gave us a private little tour. Beautiful wood carvings all along the side of the wall and 100 foot arch, which was very impressive back then. After that, they built many theater houses on Broadway. Today you can still rent out the venue for CHURCHES ,concerts comedy , Film-premiers, and much more. Beautiful piece of LA history. Five stars read more

Million Dollar Theater - Latin artists - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Los Angeles, California

We recently went to the million dollar theater to see It's a wonderful life. The atmosphere was fantastic. All the workers were so helpful. We enjoyed ourselves and plan on attending again in 2026 when the new movies start up. Check it out. YOu will enjoy it. read more

Favorite theater in the world. First time I walked in here I felt such an aura that I haven't even felt in the Los Angeles theater, palace theater etc. saw godfather in 35mm film and had an amazing time. Must visit for all lovers of film and architecture read more

The Million Dollar Theatre is one of the first movie palaces built in the states, which opened in more than a hundred of years ago. It's one of the collection of historical movie palaces in the Broadway Theater District. It's located directly across from the other landmark Bradbury Building, and the attached garage for the theater establishment is shared with the grand central market or you can find street parking and other garages nearby. I had fun experience visiting this landmark, and it felt like taking me back to old good times. read more

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Watched the long awaited Spiderman Lotus fan film Aug 5 in this gorgeous theater... they do not make theaters like this anymore! Eat at the Maccheroni Republic across the street before a show (homemade pasta!) Check my review read more

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I came here for a street food cinema event and found this theater so cute. I love the vintage vibes and the history of it. The parking is extra since you have to either park in the grand market parking (the grand market is right next to this theater) or another public parking lot (for about $10 max). The chairs are a bit old and small, but I thought the sound system was very good. read more

Million Dollar Theater - Interior from second floor - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Came to a cabaret and movie night with Street Food Cinema here and it was a pretty unique experience. Love that you can bring whatever food you want from the market next door! Great for a chill night out, and they also serve alcohol there. read more

Million Dollar Theater - Street food cinema photo op - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Yes yes "hell yes"! Incredible venue just a block from Grand Central Market (get the pork belly skewers). Beautiful architecture and stunning atmosphere. Highly recommend for anyone wanting to feel like they're outside LA and, dare I say, a little European. Romantic vibes that surpass anywhere else in DTLA. So much fun, great staff - not much more to postulate other than you'd be doing a disservice by not attending a show here. Bravo, my darlings! read more

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Came to the Million Dollar Theater for a movie night with Street Food Cinema and was impressed. The theater was vintage and and pretty big. Ample seating and super cute decor! My boyfriend was really impressed with the venue! We went to grand central market next door to get some food right before heading to the movie! Def worth it! read more

This theatre has so much history- as a church, as a movie theater, as an event space. It's a bit spooky and gothic and located perfectly next to Grand Central Market. There are 3 levels. The street food cinema we attended showed an old Bram's Dracula, the most wild vintage film I've ever seen and the perfect location for it. It had an open Ming performance of burlesque, craft cocktails and cute decor. The theatre is double decker levels of seating. The sound quality is high and there are no bad seats! Ratings: Ambiance: 10/10 Ease of seating/ speed of service: 10/10 Vegan options: 7/10 Gluten free options: 7/10 Low carb options: 6/10 Overall deliciousness: 10/10 Pricing: $$ Parking: lot, or street if you're lucky Liquor License: yes read more

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Super detailed and historic theater. You definitely get that old fashioned traditional a little bit spooky feeling in this theater. The seats are small like the old days and people don't recognize that maybe we should give each other extra space read more

Incredibly beautiful piece of LA history - THE original movie palace from 1917. It needs some money poured into it to be fully restored to its original grandeur, but I love that it's still a working theatre, 106 years later. We came for the Secret Movie Club's showing of The Lord of the Rings, and there was a great turnout. 35 mm film! You can't beat this for a true LA experience. read more

Million Dollar Theater - The marquis - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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If you love historic old unrestored theaters then you should check out a movie at this downtown gem. I haven't been inside since my young teen years in the 70's and it still looks the same LOL. We watched the old black and white Frankenstein on 35mm film. Great turn out and after the event they had a documentary of Hellboy. read more

This theatre is gorgeous, one of kind ! It opened in 1918 by Sid Grauman and it was the first palace theatre in Los Angeles. I've been here on two occasions, both as a guest of Street Food Cinema to watch movies. The interior is beautiful, gorgeous moldings on the ceilings and a giant chandelier. The seats are comfortable, the stairs on the second floor to get to seats can be pretty steep! The women's restroom is located on the 2nd floor and there are only four stalls. The space in the restroom is really cramped ! Women in 1918 must have been tiny! It's always a treat to watch a movie here. Soon the million dollar theatre will be celebrating its centennial anniversary. I'm glad they rent it out for events and have kept up with its maintenance. It looks amazing ! I totally recommend a visit if you're ever in downtown LA, even if it's to pass by and view its gorgeous marquee. read more

Classic pre-1920 or Nate DTLA theater and the core of the west coast Broadway area of downtown. We were there for food week 2019 and a presentation about the history and I'm going crazy of tacos. There was also a musical group and singers. The acoustics are still great. The seating is pretty old and there is no bar per se. this night they did use the area that would've been a concession stand to serve drinks and bag snacks. It certainly is a classic place and right next-door to the grand market. Parking is available nearby but not cheap. This is a great area to start from as there's lots of interesting places along Broadway and nearby. History: The Million Dollar Theatre at 307 S. Broadway in Downtown Los Angeles is one of the first movie palaces built in the United States. It opened in 1917 with the premiere of William S. Hart's The Silent Man.[2] It's the northernmost of the collection of historical movie palaces in the Broadway Theater District and stands directly across from the landmark Bradbury Building. The theater is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.[3] read more

Million Dollar Theater - Wow. Food bowl 2019 - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Los Angeles, California

My impression of the Million Dollar Theatre: From the outside it looks rather plain w/ multiple mid 20th century aluminum glass doors, standard marquee & fluorescent tube lights under its canopy. Not impressive at all. I bought Serious Cheesy Puffs Blue Cheese Jalapenos made in Portland, Oregon & a beer at the lobby which did not impress either. Walk down the hallway leading to the main theatre & the low ceiling created by the balcony obscures most of the soaring vertical space of the interior. Walking past the low ceiling, you can see the majestic, baroque intricately carved gold & multi-chromatic high ceiling lit by a brilliant chandelier at its center. At the top & center of the proscenium, there is what may be an Art Deco stylized Mayan or Aztec God of Death looking down on the audience. There is a feeling of coprophilic profundity possibly due to the overly carved intricate, Churrigueresque dark brown almost fecal-like wooden panels lining the sides of the theatre. Most impressive this elegant homage to possibly death & decay. The seats here almost seems to date to the original founding of the theatre so the seats do not lean back & the seats are narrow since there seems to be far fewer cases of obesity back in the 1920's & especially the Depression poverty stricken 1930's when just finding a meal was a luxury for many. BTW, there are no cup holders either so there is no way of safely placing 32 oz of sugared fat inducing soft drinks. However, it is what it is, and I survived. Lady Yelper Isobel L. was kind to invite me to the premier showing of City of Gold, a story of the famous Pulitzer winning food critic, Jonathan Gold. Great movie which confirmed for me that Mr. Gold is not so much an elegant connaisseur of fine taste & cuisine, but more of an informative food critic who is more into explaining the traditions, history, customs, geography, geology, sociology, psychology, etc. relating to the food that he is critiquing not just culinarily, but on a multi-disciplinary level. Frankly, some of his choices for this 101 LA places to eat don't always dazzle me since his sense of taste doesn't always seem to be finely honed, but the opinions he gives surrounding the food always interests me & makes me respect him as a food historian. He is a font of knowledge & vital trivia that makes reading his articles worthwhile & remarkably fascinating. 4 Yelp stars for the Million Dollar Theatre for its historical importance & J. Gold's interesting take on himself & a limited survey of the LA food scene. read more

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I have to say, when we walked by this theater after our lunch at the Grand Central Market, I had NO idea what it was. Also, it was boarded up like it was condemned, so there was no hope of us getting inside to see what it was or if it was as ornate as its façade. My husband and I are major architecture buffs; we love really old, classic architecture, not to mention (somewhat) ornate. While this bordered on the gaudy, however, the facade still was amazing as to the detail. I see that some people saw the movie, CHEF, at this theatre, complete with meeting Chef Roy Choi and Actor/Director Jon Favreau. Since we LOVED that movie, that would have been a incredibly AWESOME experience to meet them afterwards. However, we knew nothing about it, so kudos to those who were able to do that. What I also have read is that the seats/rows are just like the old theatres in New York, horribly spaced and cramped, so I'm guessing I wouldn't have enjoyed the film as much were I stuck in these seats. Oh well, with as severely as this was boarded up, I'm guessing it won't be anytime soon that I'll find out just how cramped they are. In the meantime, I'll just enjoy the outside of this building. read more

Million Dollar Theater - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Los Angeles, California

I am giving four stars because the seats and restrooms could use an upgrade. That being said though I recommend checking at this theatre at least once if you ever get the chance. For a movie fan like myself seeing something in the historic broadway theatres is so special. Thank you to Street Food Cinema for hosting events here! read more

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A MUST DO! I Love The Revival that is going on all of the country of legendary Old Movie Theaters. Once they were knocked down, & people turned their noses at these Architectural Wonders. No more. Now they are being brought back to life, admired for their beauty, renovated & utilized once again now for mixed use Events. The LA Times was kicking off its month long LA Times Food Bowl with an opening night April 30, 2019 @ the Million Dollar Theater in DTLA. It is a Celebration of Various Food Cultures all around LA. We got Comp Tickets for This event & Lecture & The Free Musical Entertainment too. The Million Dollar Theater is over 100 years old & Sid Grauman of Grauman's Chinese Theater in Hollywood was the visionary behind this movie palace. The Architecture In here is Stunning! It used to be, you had to have mega bucks & be really rich to have the Good Life, not anymore. The Game has changed. You've been Upgraded. Now You Can Live Like a King on a Limited Budget! read more

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The first day of February 1918 must have been some day at the intersection of South Broadway and West 3rd in downtown Los Angeles, it was finally time for the much anticipated opening of "The Million Dollar Theater" with the premiere of "The Silent Man" accompanied by a thirty-piece orchestra, amongst the guest were Douglas Fairbanks, Sr., Mary Pickford, Charlie Chaplin and many more notable attendees. Yes, these were the times, to be exact it was the Edwardian era the men dressed in the latest fashion for black tie events, most consisted of a black tailcoat over black braid or stripe formal wool trousers. A white bib front button down shirt with a removable wingtip collar and white bow tie worn under a white U neck vest, Black patent slip-ons, tuxedo slippers or lace up oxfords were the best formal shoes of the day. The final touch, clean white gloves and a black silk top hat, look familiar, it should this became the major influence of today's tuxedo wear. Women evening wear were flamboyant and provocative, with low cut bodices allowing an overt display of jewelry and bosom! Evening wear in the 1900s meant luxurious sensual fabric. Women were growing tired of bulky evening dress and began to remove the trains from their dresses although we were still in the "pre-flapper" day the multi-layered restrictive clothing of the early 1900's were fading fast. The Million Dollar Theater presented the perfect opportunity for the elite to celebrate, although the end of World War I was still months away, these types of events were welcoming distractions, the first thirty days of 1918 proved that the focus of the wealthy had already began to change and matters other than the war replaced most conversations at these gatherings. Their ability to detach themselves from the war was obvious with the recent playing of the 4th Rose Bowl - USMC beats Camp Lewis - US Army 19-7, the Dodgers trade Casey Stengel, Mississippi becomes the 1st state to ratify prohibition, the world was changing fast, the film industry was coming of age and this new venue would continue to play a positive role for the next 100 years and beyond... Unfortunately I wasn't able to go inside but I can imagine what it must have been like ninety-seven years ago, although the renovations of the past has long replaced the original decor for the most part. The latest attempt to restore her beauty from the unforgivable sinful desecration by a church group of all people in the early 2000's, who decided to paint the interior white covering a century of history making complete restoration practically impossible, fortunately they weren't allowed to stucco the outside... read more

Million Dollar Theater - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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I go to Grand Central Market pretty often, but I never noticed it was right next door to a giant hundred-year-old theater. It turns out the Million Dollar Theater hasn't functioned as a theater in all this time--according to Wikipedia, it was empty as recently as 2006 (and before that, it was home to a Spanish-speaking church!). I went recently for an event called Eating Out Loud, put on by Lucky Peach magazine. It involved a reading at Million Dollar Theater followed by food and drink at Grand Central Market. A great one-two experience of historic downtown. The theater was lovely, old and stately with intricate detailing to the walls, ceiling, and stage. It felt a lot like the Ace Hotel theater and the Orpheum--impressive and recently renovated, but not too shiny. Seating was general admission for this event, and we got comfortable seats to the left of the stage, on the lower level. There didn't seem to be a bad seat around, at least not on this main level. The acoustics were good. My friend Amelia Gray screamed a beautiful story about a restaurant food/death fight. Jonathan Gold read too, as did Roy Choi, David Chang, and Eric Wareheim. Kim Gordon played noise guitar to a food haiku. Fun times all around. I don't know what else this theater shows--I feel like in the past couple years I've gotten tickets to random shows and have done an inadvertent circuit of old/new theaters in L.A. But I'd definitely be excited to see another show at the Million Dollar Theater. It was a cool venue in a great part of downtown. read more

Seeing Blade Runner on the big screen at the theater which served as one of the shooting locations for the greatest science fiction movie of all time: absolutely priceless. I will forever be grateful to my friend who made this possible. (How, exactly, he worked his magic and made two tickets appear out of thin air when the event was sold out, I'm not sure...but that's another story!) Sitting in the old-fashioned seats felt like going back in time to the Golden Age of Film. It was great fun to explore the balcony and all the different nooks and crannies. Definitely worth a visit! read more

This theater is a gem! Located next to the Grand Central Market, I went for Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory through Street Food Cinema. I love the old time elegance of the theater, the inside was beautiful. Just be forewarned, the bathrooms are really old, and the chairs are not all the same! I sat on the bottom floor on the left side and it was comfortable but I noticed that the middle section had different style of chair. read more

Million Dollar Theater - Watching Willy Wonka @ Street Food Cinema - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Los Angeles, California

I'm a fan of the Million Dollar Theatre although it's not my favorite of the Last Remaining Seats theaters. For being one of the largest movie palaces when built in 1918, seating nearly 2400, they sure didn't consider the bathroom to person ratio well. Only 4 women's bathroom stalls and the line winds down the staircase. They do advise going to the Grand Central Market restrooms if you don't want to wait. The other minus is the uncomfortable seating. The reason that I'm a fan is because I have a fond memory from when my husband and I took his parents to see El Rey Del Barrio. As my father-in-law and husband decided to look around the theatre, my mother-in-law and I sat and chatted. Turns out that when she and her husband were young, her husband was a friend of the star, Tin Tan's brother. He was some radio guy that liked to drink and party. She wasn't fond of him. One night she heard of plans that the guys were going out to party and she sent her husband to the laundromat to clean her baby's (my husband) dirty diapers. He missed his ride, lucky for him, as there was a terrible car crash that night killing all of his friends in the car. Dirty diaper duty saved my father-in-law's life. I was the first person in the family to hear that story. That night we watched El Rey Del Barrio (all in Spanish) and it was hilarious! Fast forward to opening night of the 29th season of Last Remaining Seats showing of Psycho. I'm a Hitchcock fan and all of these years I thought that I had seen it. It turns out that I didn't because all I remembered was the infamous shower scene. Seeing great movies make the minor inconveniences less important. It also helps that the Million Dollar Theatre is located amongst some great restaurants. We had dinner before and had a great time! read more

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A wonderful piece of LA history that is a must see, especially during the Los Angeles Conservancy Film Festivals. I'd highly recommend joining the laconservancy.org and get on the mailing list to be notified when there are screenings at these grand old palaces. It's a must for anyone who appreciates history and beautiful craftsmanship as well as classic film! The Million Dollar Theatre needs a little TLC but for the most part, its grandeur is intact. The house lights are dim but that didn't bother me. I was too caught up in admiring the sconces, ceiling objects d'art and beautiful shadowy colors. I was fortunate enough to see a matinee of Scrooge (1970's version with Albert Finney and Alec Guiness) which was the perfect setting to see this classic xmas musical. Can't wait to go back, see a film and nosh at the Grand Central Market next door! read more

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I hate to give a beautiful historic theater such a low rating but I feel I must warn others about how unpleasant and uncomfortable the seating was. I'll never go back to see any show there. I attended the showing of Kiss of the spider woman. My family and I had seats on the lower level in the center. Since there's no assigned seating you must arrive 45 minutes early to get a good seat. There was a thirty minute intro and the movie was two hours. The seats were so crammed, it felt like I was in an airplane sitting in coach, but with less room and the seats don't go down. And it was uncomfortably hot with no air flow. No leg room at all! Even if you stand up, it is very difficult for anyone to go by you if they have to leave to use the restroom. I felt so trapped, claustrophobic and unpleasantly hot. We were literally packed like sardines. Also, while not the most important thing , I have to also say that the ladies restroom was unbearable too! The stalls were so tiny that it was also the size of an airplane stall! I'm not exaggerating and I'm not an over weight person. Everyone who came out was commenting on it. The bathroom appeared to be a hundred years old with no upgrade. Standing in line to use the tiny stall was an effort of endurance since there was barely room to even stand in line outside the three miniature stalls. I'm sorry to give such a low review but people should know that the theater is not a comfortable one for watching a show. The two stars are only for the wall and calling art. Yes the walls and ceilings had beautiful carvings. But I'll never go back there to see a show. Update: I wrote the above review without looking at any other reviews. After reading the other low rated reviews which are sprinkled throughout and far and few between, I noticed other stated the same exact criticisms... Even down to the detail of comparing the seating to cramped airplane seats! I must say all the low reviews are spot on. No air conditioning and discusting and tiny bathroom. Just confirms everything I experienced. read more

Went last night to see a special screening of Chinatown (1974). We were very excited to finally have the chance to see the interior of this theater and marvel in the history of it all. Not as lavish as the Los Angeles Theater down the street. In fact, the MDT seemed smaller! Sightlines are good near the front of the orchestra level but not as good from the balcony...feels like you are looking down at the stage (like the Ahmanson). Nevertheless, it was magical to step back in time with other moviegoers who appreciate this sort of thing. Broadway is slowing coming back we're excited to be a part of the renaissance. read more