On May 18, 1927, the Grauman’s Chinese Theatre had its grand opening in Hollywood and until today recognized as an extremely spectacular event in the history of motion picture. Grauman with the help of architect Raymond Kennedy developed the theatre and built it eighteen months later for $2,000,000. No stone was left unturned and the U.S. government authorised the import of pagodas, temple bells, stone heaven dogs as well as different artefacts from China.
The theatre is protected by curved forty foot high walls and turrets of copper. The lotus-shaped fountains are ten-foot high with intricate artistry which flank some of Hollywood’s greatest and elite footprints. The theatre itself is ninety feet high and the bronze roof is topped with 2 enormous coral red columns and wrought iron masks.
It is an extremely sought-after theatre for the use of studio premieres and with a visitor rate of over 4 million a year. Stars are immortalized in the forecourt of the theatre with cement footprints and handprints. In 1968 the Chinese Theatre was declared as a historical, cultural landmark and to maintain its beauty, restoration was always in process.
The opening of the Chinese 6 theatre and the Hollywood and Highland mall caused the owners of the theatre to undertake some major renovations and it was done in order to enhance and rejuvenate the Chinese theatre. Earthquakes also demanded its permanence is ensured as well as for its protection and retrofits were required. With its continuous facelifts and renovations, it remains an extremely prestigious premier.