New Life in Old (and Historic) Buildings
If you’re taking one of our Hollywood night tours you’ll definitely want to see our local, historic theaters, lit up in all their glory. Two of the most famous theaters in Hollywood have been around here for ages. And while these are not the only two in the area each one has a unique story to tell.
The Pantages Theater
The Pantages Theater is a historic theater located in the heart of Hollywood, California. It was originally built in 1930 by Alexander Pantages, a Greek-American vaudeville and motion picture impresario.
The Pantages Theater was designed by the architect B. Marcus Priteca in the Art Deco style, and it is one of the most beautiful and ornate theaters in the United States. The theater features a grand lobby with a marble staircase, a chandelier, and a mural painted by the artist Anthony Heinsbergen. The auditorium has a seating capacity of 2,703 and is adorned with intricate plasterwork, hand-painted murals, and a stunning proscenium arch.
Pantages theater Hollywood website
Over the years, the Pantages Theater has hosted a variety of performances, including movies, vaudeville shows, and Broadway productions. Some of the most famous performers who have graced the Pantages stage include Bob Hope, Judy Garland, Frank Sinatra, and the Marx Brothers.
Today, the Pantages Theater is owned and operated by the Nederlander Organization, and it continues to be a popular venue for touring Broadway shows, concerts, and other live events. The theater has been designated a historic landmark by the city of Los Angeles, and it remains an important part of Hollywood’s cultural and architectural heritage.
The Montalban Theater
The Montalban Theatre is a historic venue located in Hollywood, California. Originally opened in 1927 as the Wilkes Brothers Vine Street Theatre, the building was designed by architects Charles R. Selkirk and Arthur G. Lindley in the Spanish Colonial Revival style.
The theater was named after actor Ricardo Montalban in 1993, and was extensively renovated in 2015 to update its facilities and restore its historic features. The renovation included the addition of a new rooftop event space, a state-of-the-art sound system, and new lighting and projection systems.
Today, the Montalban Theatre is a popular venue for live performances, film screenings, and other events. The theater has a seating capacity of 1,157, and is known for its beautiful interior and excellent acoustics. It has hosted a wide range of events over the years, including concerts, plays, movie premieres, and art exhibitions.
The theater is located in the heart of Hollywood, just a few blocks from the famous Hollywood Walk of Fame and the TCL Chinese Theatre. Its location and historic significance make it a popular destination for visitors to Los Angeles who are interested in the city’s rich cultural heritage.
If you’re staying in Hollywood for any length of time it’s always fun to catch a show at the Pantages theater. Also, check out what the Montalban Theatre has to offer, if for no other reason send peek inside this historic edifice.
There are other famous buildings in and around Hollywood and if you’re staying in Southern California and you’re a fan of early 20th century architecture (or art) you have a wealth of opportunities open to you. If you’d like to put together a special private tour of Los Angeles buildings, we a Star Track Tours would be happy to put together a package for you. There’s no better way to see what SoCal has to offer in terms of architecture than in one of our open top buses where you’ll be able to gaze up at the buildings with an unimpeded view!