Historic Broadway

Historic Broadway, the theatre district of Los Angeles

Historic Broadway is one of the most emblematic axes of the urban and cultural history of Los Angeles. In the early twentieth century, this downtown artery concentrated the great cinema and show palaces. The Los Angeles audio-guided tour stops here to evoke the golden age of the Broadway theatres, long before Hollywood.

The cradle of the cinema palaces

Before Hollywood became the capital of cinema, Broadway was the heart of entertainment in Los Angeles. This downtown axis concentrated, in the early twentieth century, one of the highest densities of show and cinema halls in the world, in sumptuous buildings. Today, these historic theatres testify to the city's cultural effervescence at that time.

What to see

You admire the façades and signs of the former great theatres and cinema palaces, witnesses of the golden age of entertainment in Los Angeles. Some of these buildings have been restored and once again host shows or events. It is a stop for lovers of history and architecture, in a reviving downtown district.

Practical information

Historic Broadway lies in Downtown Los Angeles, served by a metro station of the same name, reachable on foot and by public transport. It is a public street, freely accessible; the theatre façades can be admired from the pavement. Access inside the halls depends on shows and events, whose programme varies; it is best to enquire before coming.

Why is Historic Broadway famous?

Because in the early twentieth century, this downtown artery concentrated the great cinema and show palaces of Los Angeles, long before Hollywood.

What is there to see on Historic Broadway?

The façades and signs of the former great theatres and cinema palaces of downtown, some of them restored and once again active.