Whether you’ve spent hours in front of the mirror rehearsing an acceptance speech or simply have fallen in love with the wonder of the movies and the men and women who make them, taking a tour through the dedicated home to the Academy Awards, Dolby Theatre, is a must when visiting the L.A. area. For 30 magical minutes, tour guests will learn exactly what it is like to be behind the scenes on one of the most star studded stages in America.
Dolby Theatre History
The Dolby Theatre, formerly known as the Kodak Theatre, was officially opened on 9 November 2001. A project of architect David Rockwell of the Rockwell Group, the 3,332-seat theatre was designed exclusively with the Academy Awards in mind. Rockwell’s design is centered on a stage which ties with the Edward C. Elliot Hall of Music at Purdue University for the largest in the United States. It runs a length of 113 feet by 60 feet and was designed in the tradition of European Opera Houses.
From the start, the design and concept behind the Dolby Theatre was geared towards televised productions, such as the Oscars and the American Idol finale. As such, the infrastructure of the building is geared towards TV production with and underground cable bunker, an intricate system of broadcast cables which radiate to the streets around the building, and a one-of-a-kind stage management area at the center of the orchestra seating area.
Even the decorative elements of the Dolby Theatre are designed as an homage to motion pictures and their history. The Grand Staircase in the theatre’s entrance as well as the storefronts that surround it are in a decidedly movie-like Art Deco theme. In addition, columns surrounding the area bear the names of past Best Motion Picture winners, including blank spaces for future recipients.
In addition to the several months in which the Dolby Theatre is dedicated to the Academy Awards, it has gained a name for itself among southern California venues through a number of high-profile acts. In addition to hosting the season 1 and 3-6 finales for American Idol, the Dolby Theatre annually hosts the ESPY Awards and BET awards. It has twice been the location of the Daytime Emmy Awards, and is currently the permanent home of the Cirque du Soleil production Iris. Other past acts to perform at the Dolby Theatre include Christina Aguilera, Celine Dion, Alicia Keys, Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, and Prince.
About the Dolby Theatre Guided Tour
The Dolby Theatre offers tours to its visitors seven days per week. Each tour lasts approximately 30 minutes and includes the opportunity to view an authentic Oscar statuette, sit in the celebrity lounge used by the stars on their big night, view images of past Academy Awards ceremonies, and enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at the theatre.
All ages of children are permitted on the tour, which runs on a tight schedule due to the Cirque du Soleil performances. However, the centralized location of the Dolby Theatre at the center of the Hollywood and Highland shopping mall on Hollywood Blvd. in Los Angeles, makes it easy to mix in with other L.A.-area attractions and events.
Why the Dolby Theatre Tour is a Must-Do
Though it is relatively young compared to other L.A.-area “landmarks,” a trip to the Dolby Theatre in downtown Hollywood is more than worth the time. As the permanent home to the Academy Awards as well as a stage fit for legends and acrobats alike, getting the chance to view this venue up close and personally is an amazing way to spend the day in Los Angeles.
Where to Buy Dolby Theatre Tour Tickets
There are a number of ways you can enjoy admission to this attraction.
Pay Full Price and purchase a ticket from Dolby Theatre Guided Tour either online or in person.
Purchase a Tourist pass. The Dolby Theatre Guided Tour is available on the Go Los Angeles Card and Hollywood CityPass.