Cinerama Dome, an iconic Hollywood theater shuttered by COVID pandemic, will reopen

Cinerama Dome, an iconic Hollywood theater that had been shuttered during the COVID-19 pandemic, will reopen after years of closure. The decision comes as part of a broader restoration effort led by Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, which will operate the historic venue along with its adjacent 14-theater complex. The reopening is scheduled for early 2028, marking a return to the stage for one of the most recognizable landmarks in Los Angeles. The Cinerama Dome, known for its massive 86-foot-wide curved screen, was originally designed in 1963 by Pacific Theatres founder William R. Forman. It was built as a pioneering example of advanced cinema technology, featuring three projectors that allowed for immersive viewing experiences. This unique setup made the theater one of only three in the world capable of 70 mm projection, a format that has gained renewed interest due to its use in films such as Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey. The theater remained operational until April 2021, when it closed as a result of the pandemic's impact on the entertainment industry. Alamo Drafthouse, under ownership by Sony Pictures Entertainment, has committed to restoring the theater while preserving its distinctive geodesic exterior and the large logo that has become synonymous with Hollywood’s cinematic heritage. Unlike other Alamo Drafthouse locations, the Cinerama Dome will not offer in-theater dining, a feature common in many of the chain’s other venues. Instead, the focus will remain on delivering the unique, high-quality cinematic experience that the theater is renowned for. Ravi Ahuja, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures Entertainment, emphasized the cultural and historical significance of the Cinerama Dome. He stated that there is no moviegoing destination worldwide that matches the affection and legacy associated with the theater. Alamo Drafthouse CEO Michael Kustermann added that the Cinerama Dome will serve as the company’s new West Coast flagship, reinforcing its commitment to maintaining and enhancing the theatrical experience. The theater’s closure in 2021 was part of a larger trend affecting the film industry, as many cinemas struggled to adapt to public health restrictions. At the time, Pacific Theaters, the previous operator of the Cinerama Dome, cited the pandemic as the primary reason for the shutdown. The loss of the theater was widely noted among film enthusiasts and industry professionals, who recognized its role in shaping the landscape of cinematic presentation. Michael O’Leary, president and CEO of Cinema United, a major movie theater trade group, praised the announcement. He highlighted the enduring importance of the Cinerama Dome to both moviegoers and the film community, noting that its reopening aligns with growing consumer demand for the traditional, immersive experience of watching films on the big screen. In addition to the Cinerama Dome, Alamo Drafthouse plans to reopen a 14-theater complex located nearby, previously operated by ArcLight Cinemas. These theaters will reintroduce in-theater dining, though recent changes to the service model, requiring patrons to use their personal devices for ordering, have drawn criticism from some customers. Despite these challenges, the reopening of the Cinerama Dome signals a renewed investment in the physical cinema experience, reflecting a shift in how audiences engage with film.