Located in the heart of Hollywood along the Walk of Fame, and just steps from other iconic venues like the TCL Chinese Theatre, the El Capitan Theatre is a must-see for visitors after a dose of movie magic. Once frequented by stars the likes of Buster Keaton and Clark Gable, and host to the premiere of Orson Welles’ Citizen Kane, the venue went through periods of renovation and was, for a time, renamed the Paramount Theatre. Following a museum-grade renovation in the 1990s, the baroque splendor of the venue’s Spanish Colonial architecture is now on full display.
The El Capitan Theatre is a staple of numerous Hollywood tour itineraries, from neighborhood walking tours to movie-history-themed excursions. If you’d like to see a movie in a memorable setting, it’s also simple to plan an independent visit.
The El Capitan Theatre is located on Hollywood Boulevard, along the world-famous Hollywood Walk of Fame. If using public transportation, take the Metro Red Line to Hollywood / Highland Station. The area is also served by numerous bus lines, and can be reached by taxi, Uber, Lyft, or other rideshare service.
The El Capitan Theatre’s hours vary depending on its screenings; research its showtimes in advance of your visit, and arrive with time to spare so you can find your seat and pick up drinks and snacks.
As the El Capitan Theatre is now owned by Disney, it screens a range of premieres and beloved, family-friendly Disney classics. Many screenings are also complemented with additional entertainment, from on-stage dancing and hosted discussions to live music courtesy of its “Mighty Wurlitzer”—its enormous pipe organ.
