The Egyptian Theatre Hollywood

The Egyptian Theatre features a massive, painted proscenium arch decorated with hieroglyphics and imposing columns modeled after ancient temples. It opened in nineteen twenty-two as the first grand movie palace in Hollywood. Sid Grauman commissioned the design to capitalize on the public obsession with the discovery of King Tutankhamun's tomb. On its premiere night, guests walked through a long courtyard filled with costumed performers before entering the auditorium. It remains a monument to the era when cinema transformed into an opulent spectacle.