Cinerama Dome (Closed)
Hollywood, CA
Photo courtesy Scott Broadhurst

The Cinerama Dome makes an unmistakable nighttime stop along Sunset Boulevard. Its rounded roof and glowing name give this Hollywood landmark a look all its own. Built in just 16 weeks in 1963, the Dome didn’t take long to become part of the scenery. 11-10

Designed by Welton Becket & Associates, the theatre opened on November 7, 1963, with It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World. Its enormous curved screen made it a destination for moviegoers who liked their entertainment larger than life. Even after becoming part of ArcLight Hollywood, the Dome kept its familiar identity.

UPDATE: Closed since the pandemic shutdown in 2020, the Dome has another opening night to look forward to. Sony Pictures and Alamo Drafthouse announced plans in July 2026 to restore and reopen it in early 2028, preserving its distinctive exterior and Cinerama Dome name. There’s still a wait before the next feature, but welcome news for this Sunset Boulevard favorite. 10-26

Hollywood Galaxy (Gone)
Hollywood, CA
Photo by RoadsidePeek.com

The General Cinema's Hollywood Galaxy Theatre brought its own neon attraction to Hollywood Boulevard. Just west of the Chinese Theatre, the blue globe and bright lettering made this multiplex easy to spot after dark. It was quite a contrast to the grand single-screen houses nearby.

General Cinema opened the six-screen theatre at 7021 Hollywood Boulevard in November 1991. The Galaxy offered several movies under one roof, adding a newer kind of moviegoing stop to Hollywood’s historic theatre neighborhood.

UPDATE: AMC took over in 2002 but closed the Galaxy in December 2003, ending a run of only about twelve years. The cinema space was later converted to other uses. This photograph recalls the brief stretch when a glowing blue globe helped advertise a night at the movies on Hollywood Boulevard. 10-26

Pantages Theater
Los Angeles, CA
Photo courtesy Scott Broadhurst

The Pantages Theatre gives Hollywood Boulevard a generous helping of neon in this nighttime view. Its tall sign and brightly outlined marquee make the entrance easy to spot near Hollywood and Vine. Before you even reach the doors, the old theatre has already started putting on a show. 09-10

Opened on June 4, 1930, the Pantages was designed by B. Marcus Priteca for vaudeville and motion pictures. Its elaborate Art Deco auditorium carried that street-side promise indoors. Howard Hughes acquired the theatre through RKO in 1949, and the Academy Awards brought some of Hollywood’s biggest names through its doors during the following decade.

UPDATE: The Pantages shifted to live stage productions in 1977 and remains a major home for touring Broadway shows. A substantial restoration helped recover the richness of its original interior, giving audiences plenty to admire before the curtain rises. Outside, the familiar Pantages name continues announcing a night out on Hollywood Boulevard. 10-26