Million Dollar Theatre

Built in 1918

307 South Broadway
Downtown

Sid Grauman’s first major theatre was named Grauman’s Theatre when it opened. Following the hype over its price tag, it soon became known as Grauman’s Million Dollar Theatre, although it was not officially named this until 1922.

The exterior of the building is a magnificent example of a type of Spanish Rococo style known as Churrigueresque. Architect William Lee Woollett is credited with the design of the interior. The eclectic, fantasy design of the Million Dollar Theatre contrasted with the more conventional, neoclassic look of most movie palaces at that time.

Although designed specifically as a movie palace, it included a stage measuring 35-feet deep and 103-feet wide. Within two months of opening, Sid Grauman began to stage spectacular prologues prior to the start of the films. Seating was provided for 1,400 in the orchestra and 945 in the balcony.

On 2nd July 2019 the Million Dollar Theatre was granted Historic-Cultural Monument status.