El Capitan Theatre

©The American Eagle of LA BY-SA 2.5.

You’re now in front of two iconic Hollywood landmarks. First, the El Capitan Theatre, one of the most elegant and legendary cinemas in Hollywood. Originally, it wasn’t even a movie theater—it was a live-performance venue, with an interior inspired by India and a Spanish Baroque-style façade. Its place in Hollywood history was cemented early on: in 1941, it hosted the world premiere of Citizen Kane by Orson Welles, now regarded as one of the greatest films ever made. In the 40s, it was converted into a cinema, then went through a long period of decline, before a spectacular revival in the late 80s, when Disney purchased and meticulously restored the building. Since reopening in 1991, El Capitan has served as Disney’s official Hollywood theater, hosting premieres for Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars films, complete with red carpets, stars, and enthusiastic fans. Once inside, you’ll discover a one-of-a-kind experience: live stage performances before the film, costume exhibits, special screenings, and state-of-the-art projection technology—all set in a palace-like environment. Right next to it, on the right, is another building that hides an unexpected story. Behind its neoclassical façade and tall columns is one of America’s most famous TV studios: Jimmy Kimmel Live! Originally, nothing about the space hinted at show business. Built in 1921, it began as the Hollywood Masonic Temple, a prestigious lodge frequented by many Golden Age movie stars. Today, Jimmy Kimmel, one of America’s top TV hosts, produces and presents a nightly talk show on ABC. The format is simple but entertaining: a humorous opening monologue on current events, celebrity interviews, sketches, and live musical performances—often staged right outside on the building’s exterior stage. In other words, you’re standing in front of a historic landmark over a century old… and at the heart of one of the most-watched shows on American television.

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