The Historic Broadway Theater District

On the west end, there is the awe-inspiring historic Broadway Theater District, one of the largest in the country, 12 theaters concentrated in approximately 7 blocks. From the late 1890's to the early 1930's, Broadway emerged as one of the City's most dense retail, entertainment and business environments. The large movie palaces catered to live stage productions and Hollywood's movie industry.

Once Los Angeles' most popular gathering place - the spot for movie premieres, ticker tape parades and the region's top department stores - it is a district filled with unique architecture, character and culture. Among the most prized treasures of the area are Broadway's twelve historic movie palaces, which in their heyday evoked - and often surpassed - the magic of stage and screen. Ticket booths, lobbies, auditoriums, staircases, sidewalks and even restrooms were, and are, magnificent works of art. Rich in decorative details borrowed from foreign cultures and the distant past, the Broadway theatres transport audience members to a new place - carrying them away from daily life and into an imaginary world as soon as they step through the door. With their original features still intact -often including sound, light and electrical systems - a performance in a Broadway theatre is a fantastic opportunity for artistic creativity and imagination.

The splendor of these theatres remains amazingly intact today, however, few are operational for performing arts and entertainment events. After a $3 million renovation that includes new seats, air conditioning, and electrical system, the Orpheum Theater is one of the only theaters actively booking events. The Los Angeles, Palace, and Tower Theaters are available for filming, special events, and concerts.

1. United Artists Theater
2. Orpheum Theater   www.laorpheum.com/
3. Globe Theater
4. Rialto Theater
5. Tower Theater   www.towertheaterla.com/
6. State Theater
7. Palace Theater   www.losangelestheatre.com/downtownpalace.html
8. Los Angeles Theater   www.losangelestheatre.com
9. Arcade Theater
10. Cameo Theater
11. Roxie Theater
12. Million Dollar Theater