What It Is
The Hollywood Pantages Theatre is a 2,703-seat Art Deco theater on Hollywood Boulevard, and it's the primary home of Broadway touring productions in Los Angeles. Built in 1930, it's one of the last great movie palaces from Hollywood's golden age — and unlike most of the others, it's not a museum. It's a working theater with a packed calendar of major Broadway shows year-round.
The interior is staggering — golden arches, intricate carved ceilings, massive chandeliers, deep red curtains. Walking in feels like stepping back to 1930. The Pantages also hosted the Academy Awards for a decade (1949-1959), making it the longest-running Oscars venue before the ceremony moved to larger spaces.
The five highest-grossing weeks in LA theatrical history have all been shows at the Pantages. It's not just beautiful — it's the most important theater in the city.
The Building
Designed by architect B. Marcus Priteca for Alexander Pantages, built as a movie palace with live vaudeville between features. A major renovation at the turn of the 21st century restored the interior to its 1930 glory — 200 workers repainted nearly every surface, restored missing chandeliers, and refurbished the walls.
What to look for:
- The lobby ceiling — A cascade of gilded sunburst patterns, Egyptian geometric motifs, and painted murals. Take 5 minutes before the show to just stand in the lobby and look up.
- The auditorium ceiling — A massive dome with elaborate plaster relief work, painted in gold, cream, and deep red. The chandelier at the center is original 1930 equipment, restored.
- The proscenium arch — Flanked by gilded columns with stylized Egyptian capitals. The curtain is deep crimson with gold fringe.
- The facade on Hollywood Blvd — The exterior marquee in Art Deco lettering is one of the most photographed facades on the boulevard. Lit up at night, it's spectacular.
2025 Broadway in Hollywood Season
Six — Now through March 9, 2025. The pop musical about the six wives of Henry VIII. High energy, 80 minutes, no intermission. Playing right now — tickets still available.
Beetlejuice — March 18–30. The beloved Tim Burton story comes to life on stage.
Spamalot — March 28 – April 13. Monty Python's musical comedy, revived on Broadway in 2023.
TINA – The Tina Turner Musical — April 15–27. The story of one of rock's greatest legends.
MJ The Musical — April 29 – May 4. The life and music of Michael Jackson.
The Sound of Music — May 13–25. The Rodgers & Hammerstein classic.
Hell's Kitchen — May 27 – June 22. New musical featuring the music of Alicia Keys, direct from Broadway.
The Phantom of the Opera — June 25 – August 3. The longest-running show in Broadway history. The chandelier, the mask, the music.
Disney's Beauty and the Beast — August 12 – September 7. The classic Disney tale as a full Broadway production.
Tickets start around $39 for most shows. Check broadwayinhollywood.com for availability.
The Seating
Orchestra (Rows A–ZZ)
Main floor seating. Best view of the stage. Orchestra center ($100-200) is premium. Orchestra rear ($50-100) is still excellent.
Mezzanine
First balcony. Slightly elevated view — ideal for shows with big production design (Phantom, Beauty and the Beast) where you want to see the full picture. Good value at $60-120.
Balcony
Upper balcony. The Pantages's steep rake means sightlines remain excellent even from the back rows. Best value tickets at $39-75. Don't discount the Balcony — for Phantom or Hamilton, you hear the same show.
Getting There & Parking
Metro (Best Option)
Metro Red Line (B) to Hollywood/Vine station — the theater is a 1-minute walk from the station exit. The Hollywood/Vine station is architecturally notable (film reel columns, celebrity footprints in the tile). Take the Metro and skip the parking entirely.
Parking
Street parking on Hollywood Boulevard is metered and competitive. Parking structures on Vine Street (Palladium lot, when available) and nearby addresses on De Longpre Ave offer $10-20 evening rates.
Address
6233 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, CA 90028
Pre-Show in Hollywood
Musso & Frank Grill — Hollywood's oldest restaurant (since 1919). Martinis and red leather booths. The theatrical pre-show dinner. 6667 Hollywood Blvd.
Pig 'N Whistle — Pub since 1927, next to the Egyptian Theatre. 6714 Hollywood Blvd.
The Highlight Room — Rooftop bar at Dream Hollywood. Pre-show cocktails with Hollywood Sign views. 6417 Selma Ave.
Thai Town — Just east on Hollywood Blvd past Western Ave. Some of the best Thai food in America.
Insider Tips
- Arrive 15-20 minutes early and spend time in the lobby. The architecture alone is worth it — most people rush to their seats and miss the building.
- The Balcony is genuinely good. The steep rake keeps sight lines clear even from the back rows. If you're on a budget, Balcony at the Pantages beats Orchestra at a lesser venue.
- For high-demand shows, check broadwayinhollywood.com directly — they release additional tickets periodically and have a lottery for same-day discount tickets.
- The theater has a full bar in the lobby. Lines are long at intermission — buy drinks before the show if you want them at the break.
- The marquee on Hollywood Blvd is one of the best photo spots at night. Get there after dark and the lit facade is a great shot.
- Everyone needs a ticket. No children under 4 admitted. Children under 16 must have an adult chaperone.
Quick Facts
- Opened: June 4, 1930
- Architect: B. Marcus Priteca
- Style: Art Deco
- Capacity: 2,703
- Named for: Alexander Pantages (Greek-American vaudeville impresario)
- Location: 6233 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, CA 90028
- Current show: Six — through March 9, 2025
- Season: Year-round Broadway touring productions
- Metro access: Hollywood/Vine station (Red Line B) — 1 minute walk
- Historic use: Academy Awards venue, 1949-1959 (11 consecutive ceremonies)
- Operated by: Nederlander Organization (Broadway in Hollywood)
- Record: Five highest-grossing weeks in LA theater history have all been Pantages shows
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the dress code for the Pantages Theatre?
There's no strict dress code, but most people dress in smart casual to business casual attire. For opening nights and special performances, audiences tend to dress up more.
Where do you park for the Pantages Theatre?
There are several parking lots near the Pantages Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard. Validated parking is sometimes available through the theater. The Metro Red Line to Hollywood/Vine is also very convenient.
What is the best place to sit at the Pantages Theatre?
The orchestra center sections offer the best overall experience. The mezzanine front rows are also excellent and provide a great overhead view of the stage.
