Tucked away in the heart of Hollywood, California, lies the iconic TCL Chinese Theatre (formerly Grauman's Chinese Theatre).  This beloved landmark has been a cornerstone of Hollywood's long history and a testament to the city's early fascination with Chinese culture.

A Star-Studded Beginning
The Chinese Theatre was the brainchild of showman Sid Grauman, who wanted to create a unique and exotic movie palace that would transport audiences to ancient China.  Designed by architects Meyer and Holler, the theater was built in 1927 at a cost of $2.1 million, a staggering sum at the time.

The theater's grand opening on May 18, 1927, was a star-studded event, with Hollywood legends such as Douglas Fairbanks and Mary Pickford in attendance.  The first film screened was Cecil B. DeMille's "The King of Kings."

(an early postcard from the 1930's)

A Legacy of Handprints and Footprints
One of the Chinese Theatre's most distinctive features is its Forecourt of the Stars, where celebrities have left their handprints and footprints in cement for generations to admire.  This tradition began in 1927, when silent film star Norma Talmadge accidentally stepped into wet cement.  Sid Grauman, ever the showman, saw an opportunity and began inviting other stars to leave their mark.

Today, the Forecourt features over 200 handprints and footprints, including those of Marilyn Monroe, Charlie Chaplin, and modern-day stars like Julia Roberts and Brad Pitt.

A New Era
In 2013, the Chinese Theatre underwent a major renovation, which included the installation of a state-of-the-art IMAX theater and a new name: TCL Chinese Theatre. Despite these changes, the theater remains committed to preserving its rich history and cultural significance.

The TCL Chinese Theatre continues to be a beloved destination for film enthusiasts, tourists, and locals alike.  Its eye-catching architecture, long history, and iconic Forecourt of the Stars ensure that it will remain a big part of Hollywood's legacy.