Airport Van Rentals and the Egyptian Theatre

Imagine a place where modern art and ancient history collide. A place where state-of-the-art technology amazes the eye, alongside forgotten languages, images and inscriptions. Could such a place exist in our present-day era? Of course it could! This place of lore, legend and contemporary creation is the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood, California. Home to the American Cinematheque, this landmark location is one of Hollywood's most impressive tourist destinations.

A brief history of Hollywood's forgotten theatre

Customers of Airport Van Rentals are probably familiar with the name of Sid Grauman, the man responsible for the impressive architecture at the Grauman's Chinese Theatre. But what many of you might not know is that Mr. Grauman is also responsible for the design and development of the Egyptian Theatre as well. Working alongside Charles E. Toberman, the Chinese Theatre originally cost $800,000 to build and took about 18 months to complete. Grauman and Toberman completed the Egyptian Theatre in 1922, which, as luck would have it, coincided with the discovery of King Tutankhamen's Tomb in the Valley of the Kings.

Building a temple to film

The Egyptian Theatre was the first mainstream movie theatre to open its doors in Hollywood. Elaborate and engaging, the theatre boasts four massive front entrance columns, each rising more than 20 feet above the ground. Back in the day, an actor attired as an Egyptian guard would march back and forth across the roof parapet calling out the start of each performance. Originally designed to accommodate close to 2,071 people, the Egyptian Theatre can now hold approximately 650 Airport Van Rentals customers. A second, smaller theatre named for famed director Steven Spielberg is also located onsite. It can accommodated 83 Airport Van Rentals customers.

Interesting facts about the Egyptian Theatre

• The first film to open at the Egyptian Theatre was Robin Hood starring Douglas Fairbanks.
• A prologue used to always accompany movies at the Egyptian Theatre. These took place on a large 30 by 73 foot stage located in front of the screen. The prologue that took place prior to Cecil B. DeMille's The Ten Commandments featured over 100 costumed performers.

Take a tour of the Egyptian Theatre

Customers of Airport Van Rentals can enjoy a tour of the historic Egyptian Tour during their upcoming Hollywood vacation. On these tours, you'll see what it would have been like to be in a Grauman's stage show with a visit to dressing rooms and the singers' private boxes. Customers of Airport Van Rentals will also get a sneak peak at the theatre's sophisticated sound and projection system. Discover the detailed restoration work that continues on the theatre, as workers try to marry modern technology with Hollywood architectural history. Customers of Airport Van Rentals can enjoy a tour of the Egyptian Theatre for just $5. Tour and a movie packages are also available. Tours start promptly at 10:30am at the box office and last for an hour.

What is the American Cinematheque?

The American Cinematheque, which is now located inside the Egyptian Theatre, is a non-profit, viewer-supported cultural organization dedicated to the public presentation of the moving picture. Created in 1981, the American Cinematheque moved to the Egyptian Theatre in order to utilize the theatre's high-profile exhibition facility as a base for independent film and video presentations. Customers of Airport Van Rentals can learn more about the American Cinematheque online at www.americancinematheque.com.

Travel back in time during your van rentals vacation

Customers of Airport Van Rentals will find the Egyptian Theatre at 6712 Hollywood Boulevard. Parking is available in the Egyptian Theatre lot for $5-$10 or in the Grant Parking lot, south of Hollywood Boulevard for $8-$20. For more information, please contact the Egyptian Theatre box office at 323-466-3456.