Los Angeles Broadway Theater District

The basics

The theater district lines six blocks of South Broadway in the historic core of Los Angeles. It is a popular stop on downtown walking tours focused on architecture, history, and filming locations. The Los Angeles Conservancy also organizes tours through the historic district and into some theater interiors. In addition to taking organized tours, visitors can walk between 3rd and 9th Streets on Broadway and admire the restored marquees and lavish exteriors on their own.

Things to know before you go

• Most theaters don't have elevator access to balconies or basements.

• Theaters are wheelchair-accessible, though some have limited access.

• Pets are not allowed in the theaters; strollers are not recommended.

How to get there

The district lies along six blocks on South Broadway between 3rd and 9th Streets in Downtown Los Angeles. If there's an attraction to explore on foot in car-heavy Los Angeles, this centrally-located historic district is it. Travelers arriving by car can park in the Pershing Square Garage, while those taking the metro should get off at Pershing Square station along the B and D lines.

When to get there

The Los Angeles Conservancy, an organization dedicated to revitalizing historic buildings and neighborhoods, runs paid tours through the district and into some theater interiors on Saturday mornings at 10am from Pershing Square. Check individual theater websites for a schedule of events, which run the gamut from concerts to screenings and stand-up comedy.

Which Broadway Theater District theaters to visit

Though the district's movie palaces are each worth visiting, knowing where to start is useful. The Orpheum Theater, with its beaux-arts-inspired exterior and Mighty Wurlitzer organ, is a great first stop—it’s between 8th and 9th Streets. From there, head up Broadway to the Los Angeles Theatre, modeled after the Palace of Versailles. At the north end lies the Million Dollar Theater, with its Spanish Baroque facade. If you don't have time to see all 12 theaters, visit these three at least.

What is the history of the Los Angeles Broadway Theater District?

The Los Angeles Broadway Theater District is a historic district that has the United States’ largest collection of movie palaces. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. Today, it features restored theaters that still host screenings and cultural events.

How many theaters are in the Los Angeles Broadway Theater District?

There are 12 movie theaters in the Los Angeles Broadway Theater District, an area of downtown LA stretching six blocks from 3rd Street to 9th Street along South Broadway. Built between 1910 and 1931, these theaters boast one of the world’s highest concentrations of movie palaces.

Are there guided tours of the Los Angeles Broadway Theater District?

Yes, there are guided tours of the Los Angeles Broadway Theater District. The historic district is a popular stop on downtown walking tours that focus on local architecture, history, and filming locations. Plus, the Los Angeles Conservancy organizes tours through the historic district and into some theater interiors.

Which Los Angeles Broadway Theater District should I visit?

It depends. All theaters in the Los Angeles Broadway Theater District are within walking distance of each other, and most have unique architectural features. District walking tours tend to enter the Los Angeles Theatre, the Orpheum Theatre, and the Theatre at the Ace Hotel—these are good places to start.

Can I take photos and video inside the theaters of the Los Angeles Broadway Theater District?

All the theaters in the Los Angeles Broadway Theater District are working movie theaters and cultural venues (some are also retail stores) with their own photo and video policies. The Orpheum Theatre, for example, allows the use of cameras or video cameras but recommends visitors leave them at home during performances.

Is there free parking at the Los Angeles Broadway Theater District?

No, there isn’t free parking at the Los Angeles Theater District. The historic district is a roughly 7-block stretch of downtown Los Angeles—you can try metered parking along South Broadway and side streets or paid parking garages in the neighborhood. Pershing Square and 7th Street are the nearest metro stations.