What It Is
The Dolby Theatre is a 3,400-seat live performance venue on Hollywood Boulevard, best known as the permanent home of the Academy Awards since 2001. Designed by architect David Rockwell specifically for the Oscars, it sits inside the Ovation Hollywood complex, adjacent to the TCL Chinese Theatre and directly on the Walk of Fame.
The stage is one of the largest in the United States — 120 feet wide and 75 feet deep. The theater features Dolby Atmos surround sound and Dolby Vision projection, making it one of the most technologically advanced performance venues anywhere.
When the Oscars aren't happening, the Dolby hosts concerts, comedy specials, award shows, film premieres, and special events year-round. The Oscars occupy it for only a few weeks annually.
The History
The theater opened November 9, 2001 as the Kodak Theatre — Eastman Kodak paid $75 million for the naming rights. The first Academy Awards here was the 74th Oscars on March 24, 2002.
When Kodak filed for bankruptcy in January 2012, the naming rights deal ended. Dolby Laboratories signed a 20-year deal and the venue became the Dolby Theatre in May 2012, simultaneously upgraded with Dolby Atmos and Vision systems.
The hallway from the entrance to the grand staircase is lined with Art Deco columns displaying the names of every Best Picture winner — with blank spaces left for future winners through 2050. Every seat in the theater is within four seats of an aisle — designed so Oscar nominees have a short, camera-friendly walk to the stage.
The Tour
You can tour the Dolby Theatre without seeing a show. The guided walking tour runs daily and is one of the most popular attractions on Hollywood Boulevard.
What you see:
- The main auditorium — 3,400 seats, the stage where Oscar winners give their speeches
- The exclusive Dolby Lounge VIP room — where A-list attendees gather before the ceremony
- A real Oscar statuette you can photograph
- Behind-the-scenes areas and celebrity hot spots
- Images and stories from past Academy Awards ceremonies
Duration: 30 minutes
Schedule: Hourly, 10am–4pm daily (subject to event schedules)
Price: ~$26 adults, $22 seniors/youth
Box office: Level one, under the staircase, next to Hard Rock Café
Box office hours: Mon–Sat 10am–5pm, Sun 10am–4pm (extended on event days)
Closed: During Oscars setup (several weeks in Feb/March) and private events
What's Playing in 2025
iHeartRadio Music Awards — March 17
PaleyFest LA — April (multiple nights)
Dancing With the Stars: Live! — April 25-26
Netflix Is A Joke Festival — May — Jim Gaffigan, Michelle Buteau, Wanda Sykes, Hasan Minhaj & Ronny Chieng
Summer Game Fest — June 7
Natalia Lafourcade — June 20-21
Derek Hough: Symphony of Dance — August 16
Check dolbytheatre.com for the full current schedule.
Getting There
Metro (Easiest)
Metro Red Line (B) Hollywood/Highland station is directly below the Ovation Hollywood complex — the Dolby Theatre is a 2-minute walk from the station exit. The easiest major venue in LA to reach by transit.
Parking
The Ovation Hollywood parking structure is adjacent to the Dolby. Rates are around $3-10 per hour depending on time and events. For major shows and the Oscars, expect higher event rates and reduced availability.
Address
6801 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, CA 90028
What to Know
- The grand staircase and Best Picture columns are free to walk through — no ticket needed.
- Hollywood Boulevard views from the upper levels of the Ovation complex — Hollywood Sign visible on clear days.
- Adjacent to TCL Chinese Theatre — the hand and footprint forecourt is literally next door.
- The Walk of Fame passes directly in front of the theater — 2,700+ stars on the sidewalk.
- Dress code depends entirely on the event. Oscars night is black tie; a Netflix comedy show is jeans.
Quick Facts
- Opened: November 9, 2001 (as Kodak Theatre), renamed Dolby Theatre 2012
- Architect: David Rockwell (Rockwell Group)
- Capacity: 3,400
- Stage: 120 feet wide × 75 feet deep
- Cost: $615 million to build
- Sound: Dolby Atmos
- Projection: Dolby Vision
- Home of: The Academy Awards (Oscars) since 2001
- 2025 Oscars: 97th Academy Awards, March 2, 2025
- Best Picture columns: Display all winners, blank spaces through 2050
- Metro access: Hollywood/Highland station (Red Line B)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you tour the Dolby Theatre?
Yes, the Dolby Theatre offers guided tours where you can see the theater, learn about its history, and stand on the Oscar stage. Tours run daily.
What is the Dolby Theatre used for?
The Dolby Theatre is best known as the home of the Academy Awards (Oscars). It also hosts concerts, comedy shows, the AFI Film Festival, and other live events throughout the year.
What is the best place to sit at the Dolby Theatre?
For concerts and performances, the orchestra level offers the most immersive experience. The loge level provides elevated views with great sightlines.
