Egyptian Theatre
Meyer and Holler, 1922

The Egyptian Theatre, built in 1922 by architects Meyer & Holler in the heart of Hollywood, was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984 and is a contributing property in the Hollywood Boulevard Historic District. Inspired by contemporary archaeological discoveries in Egypt, the Egyptian Theatre was among the first of many Egyptian Revival style theaters built in the United States. As Hollywood's first "premiere" movie palace, it showcased the early products of the motion picture industry, which has played a significant role in shaping American culture through the 20th century.

Closed due to severe earthquake damage in 1994, Historic Resources Group was an integral part of the construction team that rehabilitated this significant historic theater. The Egyptian Theatre reopened in 1998 as the new home of the American Cinematheque.  The rehabilitation project transformed the theater into a state-of-the-art facility that meets the technical standards required to present both contemporary and rarely-screen historic films.

The Egyptian Theatre's two major spaces are its forecourt and auditorium. Rehabilitation of the forecourt required the restoration and recreation of the painted and paved surfaces, the fountain and pool, the replication of the Egyptian-style colonnade, which had been removed when the portico was enclosed in glass, and restoration of the decorative metal light fixtures, the ticket windows, and the building's retail storefronts.

The auditorium likewise suffered more alterations than any other part of the facility. The original proscenium arch had been removed three decades earlier, and while most of the decoratively painted plaster side walls survived under acoustical panels, they did not absorb enough sound to accommodate contemporary digital sound effects. The rehabilitation allowed the placement of contemporary functions within the historic plaster ceilings and walls without removing or substantially cutting any remaining historic materials. The final solution was the installation of a large steel "armature" that was mounted to the floor and does not touch the walls or ceiling. New electrical, mechanical, sound, lighting and acoustical systems are all supported by the armature. New acoustical panels, attached the the armature, can also be retracted or extended along the side walls to provide an absorptive box.

Learn More about the Egyptian Theatre's
History & Restoration!

Click on the images at the right for more history of the Egyptian Theatre.  Color photos and postcards are from the collections of Historic Resources Group.  Black and white historic photographs are from the collection of Marc Wanamaker, Bison Archives.