The TCL Chinese Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard is one of the great landmarks of Hollywood. Opened in 1927 by showman Sid Grauman, it is known for its ornate pagoda-style facade and for the forecourt where film stars have left their hand and footprints in cement. It is still a working cinema, hosting premieres and showing films in a large IMAX auditorium, and visitors can either tour the building or catch a movie in one of the most famous theaters in the world.
The forecourt is the classic stop
A courtyard of concrete squares, each signed and imprinted by a star, a tradition that began in the 1920s. Visitors can walk the forecourt for free and compare their own hands and shoes with those of famous performers. Inside, the theater offers guided tours that cover the building's history and the stories behind the ceremonies, and the auditorium itself is a large-format movie house with a big screen and a dramatic interior.
The theater is best experienced as a working cinema. Seeing a film in the IMAX auditorium gives you the full effect of the space, and premieres, when they occur, bring crowds and red-carpet activity to the boulevard. Check the schedule if you would like to catch a screening, and book ahead for popular titles. A tour, by contrast, is a quieter way to see the interior, and it is a good choice when the forecourt is crowded or the weather is hot.
The theater sits at the heart of the Hollywood Boulevard tourist district, next to the Dolby Theatre and across from the Walk of Fame, so it is easy to combine with other sights. Expect crowds, street performers and souvenir sellers, and keep an eye on your belongings. Early morning is the best time for photos of the forecourt without crowds. The theater suits all ages, and it works well as a short first stop on a Hollywood day before moving on to the studios or Griffith Observatory.
What to expect
The experience
Landmark movie theater on Hollywood Boulevard with a famous forecourt of hand and footprints. Tours and film screenings available; the forecourt is free to walk.
Best time
Early morning for the forecourt without crowds; evenings for screenings.
How long
About an hour for a tour or forecourt visit; two to three hours for a film.
Tips
Arrive early for forecourt photos, watch your belongings in the crowds, check the schedule for tours and screenings, and book popular films ahead.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Film fans and first-time Hollywood visitors.
- Families
- Kids enjoy comparing their hands to the stars' prints and seeing a film on the big screen.
- Couples
- A classic Hollywood stop, best paired with an evening screening.
- Pair with
- The Walk of Fame, the Dolby Theatre and Madame Tussauds are right next door.
- Time needed
- About an hour.
Good questions
What is the TCL Chinese Theatre?+
A historic movie palace on Hollywood Boulevard, opened in 1927, famous for its pagoda-style facade and its forecourt of celebrity hand and footprints.
Can I see the forecourt for free?+
Yes, the forecourt is open to walk on, though tours and screenings require a ticket.
Can I watch a movie there?+
Yes. It is a working cinema with a large IMAX auditorium. Check the schedule and book ahead for popular films.
When is the best time to visit?+
Early morning for photos without crowds, or evening for a screening.
What is nearby?+
The Walk of Fame, the Dolby Theatre, Madame Tussauds and the Museum of Illusions are all within walking distance.
