TCL Chinese Theatre

The TCL Chinese Theatre stands at 6925 Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California. Showman Sid Grauman opened the movie palace in 1927, and its pagoda-style facade, red columns and copper roof with stone guardian dogs make it one of the most recognizable buildings in the United States. The famous forecourt is set with hundreds of concrete blocks bearing the handprints, footprints and signatures of film stars from the silent era to modern blockbusters. Visitors can walk the forecourt for free, compare their hands to those of favorite actors and photograph signatures from Marilyn Monroe, Charlie Chaplin, Harrison Ford and many others. Inside, the main auditorium is among the largest IMAX theatres in the world, and it hosts premieres and regular movie screenings. Tickets for films cost about 15 to 25 dollars depending on format and showtime, and guided tours of the theatre interior run at set times. The theatre sits inside the Hollywood and Highland complex next to the Dolby Theatre, and the Hollywood Walk of Fame stars run along the sidewalk out front. Plan 30 minutes for the forecourt alone, or up to two hours with a screening. Crowds are densest on afternoons, weekends and holidays, when costumed characters and tour groups fill the plaza and the forecourt can be difficult to photograph. Early morning offers calmer conditions and cleaner photos. Premiere nights close sections of the boulevard. The Metro B Line stops at Hollywood/Highland station, steps from the entrance, and nearby garages charge parking fees.