Van Rentals and Grauman’s Chinese Theatre

Grauman’s Chinese Theatre is the most famous movie theatre in the world and you can see it with your van rental. It opened in 1927, and is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Southern California. It was built by Sid Grauman, “Hollywood’s Master Showman”, on Hollywood Boulevard.

See Asia without leaving L.A.

The architecture here is amazing and worth a trip in your van rental to see. The architect of the project was Raymond M. Kennedy, who was responsible for almost all of the sketches. Kennedy used color and style to make a real impact. The theatre was arranged to resemble the layout of the Piazza San Pietro and the Sant’Andrea al Quirinale in Rome. The theatre was associated with sacred space, which was important in this era because cinema was just taking hold and trying to establish itself. The outside resembles a giant, red Chinese pagoda. Pagodas are associated with religion, in particular the Buddhist faith. There is a huge Chinese dragon across the front, two stone lion-dogs at the entrance and tiny dragons on the sides of the copper roof. Grauman went through a lot of trouble to build this theatre: authorization was required to import many of the artifacts from China that were used. Grauman even had Chinese poet and film director Moon Quon come to supervise artisans that designed much of the artwork. The trouble was worthwhile; the theatre has stood the test of time and is now sought-after for many movie premiers. Come see it in your van rental.

Walk with the stars

Grauman’s Chinese Theatre is one of the most sought-after theaters for movie premiers in Hollywood today. Celebrities have a special place in history here. In the forecourt there are celebrity footprints and handprints for the biggest stars. There is an imprint of Groucho Marx’s cigars, John Wayne’s fists, and many others. The only person not associated with the movie industry to have a hand print and signature here is Grauman’s mother. You too can explore the famous names on the sidewalk when you come down with your van rental. The first movie to premier here was The King of Kings on May 18, 1927. To date, this is still the most expensive movie theatre built in the area.

Stand the test of time

Grauman’s Chinese Theatre was declared a historical-cultural landmark in 1968, and has since undergone renovations. The auditorium has been fully restored. Come and enjoy a current movie while you are in L.A. with your van rental. In 1973 Ted Mann, owner of Mann’s Theater bought the landmark and renamed it Mann’s Chinese Theatre. However, the original name was restored in late 2001. The theatre was also examined and retrofit to withstand earthquakes to protect this historical structure.

Grauman’s Chinese Theatre is a must-see for anyone visiting Los Angeles. Parking is available nearby, so come down with your van rental for a show and to explore the history of Hollywood.