El Capitan Theatre

The Basics

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.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The El Capitan Theatre is a popular destination for families, architecture lovers, history buffs, and those after a dose of movie magic.
• Select handicapped seats are allocated in the theater, though the balcony level is not accessible to wheelchair users.
• Outside food and drinks are not permitted in the theater.

How to Get There

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.

When to Get There

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.

Movies and Events at the El Capitan Theatre

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.

Why is El Capitan Theatre famous?

El Capitan Theatre is a Los Angeles icon. Though it first opened as a stage theater, it is one of the original Hollywood movie palaces. It's most famous for blending decadent Spanish Colonial Revival, East Indian, English Tudor, and Italian Baroque architectural styles and hosting Walt Disney film premieres.

Does El Capitan Theatre have accessible seating?

Yes, the El Capitan Theatre in Los Angeles has some accessible seating. The theater has accessible seating and Companion Seating on the three ground orchestra levels nearest the stage and a wheelchair-accessible entrance, parking lot, and restrooms. The Balcony Level seating above the ground level is accessible only via stairs.

Can you bring food to El Capitan Theatre?

No, you can't bring outside food into El Capitan Theatre. According to El Capitan's Code of Conduct, you also cannot enter with alcoholic beverages, Marijuana or illegal substances, weapons of any kind, objects that appear to be weapons, laser pointers, or pets—trained service animals are an exception.

Does El Capitan Theatre check bags?

Yes, El Capitan Theatre checks bags. According to the theater policies, all guests and their bags, parcels, and other items are subject to screening and security checks when they enter the theater. Guests who enter and leave must re-enter through the front doors and go through the security screening again.

Does El Capitan Theatre have assigned seating?

Yes. All admission tickets for the El Capitan Theatre are for assigned seating. You have 1,000 seats across two levels—three sections on the Orchestra Level nearest the stage and about ten sections on the Balcony Level accessible only via the stairs.

Is there parking at the El Capitan Theatre?

While the El Capitan Theatre doesn't have dedicated parking, the theater partially validates the cost of parking at the Ovation Parking Structure on North Highland Avenue across the street. The rate for parking with validation from the theater is US$3 for your first four hours and US$2 for every following 20 minutes.