Grauman's Chinese Theater - Hollywood Boulevard

To visit Hollywood and not the see Grauman's Chinese Theater is like visiting China and not seeing the Great Wall.

Grauman's Chinese Theater in Hollywood is the most famous movie theatre in the world. Millions of visitors flock here each year, drawn by its famous forecourt with its hands & footprints of the Hollywood Stars set in cement. Ted Mann purchased Grauman's in 1973, becoming the first individual to own the Chinese Theatre. In 1986, Mann sold the theater to Paramount Pictures, which sold a half interest to Warner Bros. Warner Bros. and Paramount continue to own the theater today. The theater was known as Mann's Chinese from 1973 until 2001, when the original name of Grauman's was restored.

Grauman's Chinese Theatre opened over 70 years ago. Since then the Chinese Theatre has been the site of more gala movie premieres than any other theatre. Millions of visitors flock here each year, most of them drawn by its famous forecourt with its hands & footprints of the stars set in cement. The theatre itself has appeared in quite a few movies, including the Gene Kelly classic "Singing in the Rain" and at the end of the recent action-adventure movie "Speed."

Built by Sid Grauman in 1926 the exterior of the theatre is just as exciting as its famous forecourt. Resembling a giant red Chinese pagoda, the theatre's architecture features a huge dragon across the front, two stone lion-dogs guarding the main entrance, and the silhouettes of tiny dragons racing up and down the sides of the theatre's copper roof. For the price of a movie ticket, you can go inside and see the theatre's well-preserved interior, as well as watch a movie. The lobby inside boasts elaborate wall murals depicting life in the Orient, red and gold columns, and a large, intricate Chinese chandelier. Inside the vast main auditorium there are 2,200 bright red seats with red carpeting throughout. At the rear of the theatre you’ll discover that what would usually be the balcony has been divided into four private opera boxes for visiting celebrities.

Hand & footprints of Marilyn Monroe

Marilyn Monroe

Grauman's Forecourt is the Mecca for anyone who loves the movies. Since 1927 Hollywood stars have been immortalizing themselves here by implanting their hands and feet in cement. There are now over 200 imprints of Hollywood Stars making a virtual "Who's Who of Hollywood legends." Over the years every major Hollywood Star has had their hands & footprints embedded here, plus a few other well known mementos. Over Two million visitors a year visit this forecourt searching for their favorite stars autograph and prints. They then can't resist comparing their shoe size to the stars footprints. The first footprints were those of Norma Talmadge who accidentally stepped in the wet cement whilst visiting, during construction. Many of the celebrity autographs mention "Sid" well Sid refers to Sid Grauman, the man who built the theatre and was a friend to the stars.
Index of names & map of handprints contained in the Grauman's Forecourt.
Photos of Celebrity Handprint Inductions.

Rita Hayworth

Shirley Temple

Here are a few of the unique mementos left by some of the stars:

Groucho Marx left an imprint of his Cigar.
Betty Grable left an imprint of her Legs
John Wayne left an imprint of his Fist.
Al Jolson's an imprint of his Knee's.
Jimmy Durante's implant of his famous Nose.
Gene Autry's horse's Hoof prints.
Whoopi Goldberg's hair Braids.

The Grauman's Forecourt is open free of charge to all visitors and is a must see. Colored Maps of the exact location of the stars prints are available in the Grauman's Gift Shop at the front of the forecourt priced $1-99.( A nice souvenir which fits an A4 frame)
Whilst in the shop why not treat yourself to the ultimate souvenir, your very own embedded prints. These prints are made at the back of the forecourt, but you have to pay in the shop first. Prints are set in cement and mounted in a Frame that comes in various sizes & prices. You can select a frame or watch them being made at the rear of the forecourt.
Prices from $15.

Have your own prints made.

"Grauman's Chinese Theater"

"Hollywood's Grauman's Chinese Theater is home to the hand & footprints of the Hollywood Stars.

Grauman's Chinese Theater Hollywood Boulevard