Cinerama Dome

Cinerama Dome is a landmark motion-picture exhibition venue on Sunset Boulevard near Vine Street in Hollywood, Los Angeles. It was conceived specifically for the presentation of widescreen Cinerama films and opened on November 7, 1963, with the world premiere of Stanley Kramer's It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World. The theater was developed by William R. Forman, founder of Pacific Theatres, and designed by Pierre Cabrol of Welton Becket and Associates. Cabrol had studied at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and had worked with R. Buckminster Fuller, whose geodesic-dome concepts influenced the building's distinctive structure. The building was designed as a fast and economical alternative to conventional large theaters. Its concrete dome consists of 316 individually shaped hexagonal and pentagonal panels in 16 different sizes. The auditorium originally featured a deeply curved screen approximately 86 feet wide and 32 feet high, a large loge section, stadium-style seating, and floating stairways. Its architecture and technical equipment made it one of the most recognizable cinemas in Los Angeles and an important surviving example of the mid-century effort to create immersive widescreen presentation venues. The opening film represented a transition in the Cinerama format. Earlier Cinerama presentations used three synchronized projectors, while It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World used a single-strip 70mm Ultra Panavision process adapted for the Dome's curved screen. The film remained at the venue for 66 weeks, the theater's longest-running engagement, and returned in 1988 for the Dome's 25th anniversary. Although the building was designed around Cinerama's visual principles, it operated for many years without presenting the original three-projector process. By the late 1990s, the growth of multiplex cinemas created pressure to redevelop the property. Pacific Theatres proposed incorporating the Dome into a larger retail and multiplex development, prompting opposition from preservationists and Cinerama enthusiasts. The building was designated a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument in 1998. Preservation efforts helped retain the auditorium rather than replacing it with a conventional multiplex screen. The theater closed for approximately two years before reopening in 2002 as the centerpiece of the ArcLight Hollywood complex operated by Pacific Theatres. The renovation installed three-strip Cinerama projection, making the venue one of only a small number of surviving theaters capable of presenting the original format. The Dome subsequently added digital projection, 3D presentation, and laser projection while retaining the ability to show 35mm and 70mm film. It also hosted special events, including a 2006 live appearance by members of Johnny Cash's backing band. The Cinerama Dome closed in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Pacific Theatres and ArcLight Cinemas later announced that their locations would not reopen, leaving the Dome unused. Various redevelopment and reopening proposals followed, including a plan announced in 2022 to relaunch the theater as Cinerama Hollywood with restaurants, bars, and event space. Reopening estimates repeatedly moved later as redesign and permitting issues continued. Public advocacy, including the Save Your Cinema campaign and a petition with more than 30,000 signatures, kept attention on the venue's future. Ownership and redevelopment discussions continued through 2025 and 2026. A conditional-use permit application addressed on-site alcohol service for the Dome and the adjoining former ArcLight complex, but no immediate reopening timetable was initially established. In July 2026, Sony Pictures announced that it had acquired the leases for the Cinerama Dome and former ArcLight Hollywood site. The announced plan called for the Dome and complex to reopen after renovations in 2028, with the former ArcLight multiplex becoming an Alamo Drafthouse Cinema. As plans and the venue's operating status have changed repeatedly, the Cinerama Dome's long-term reopening status remains dependent on completion of the announced redevelopment.

The Cinerama Dome was developed in 1963 by Pacific Theatres founder William R. Forman as a purpose-built venue for widescreen Cinerama presentation. Cinerama Inc. had promoted a new theater concept based on the geodesic dome associated with R. Buckminster Fuller. The design was intended to cost less and take less time to build than a conventional auditorium of comparable size. Pacific Theatres adopted the concept for a site on Sunset Boulevard near Vine Street, making the project the first major new motion-picture theater in Hollywood in several decades. The theater was designed by Pierre Cabrol of Welton Becket and Associates. Construction began after a highly publicized groundbreaking in July 1963 and was completed in approximately 16 weeks so that the building could host the November premiere of It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World. The completed structure became a notable piece of modernist architecture. Its concrete dome is assembled from 316 hexagonal and pentagonal sections in 16 configurations. The auditorium included a deeply curved screen measuring about 86 feet wide and 32 feet high, a loge area, stadium seating, and floating stairways. The screen's unusual geometry required specially prepared prints to reduce the distortion produced by the curvature. The premiere film marked a technical change for Cinerama. The original Cinerama system had used three synchronized projectors, but the Dome was opened with a single-strip 70mm presentation of a film photographed in Ultra Panavision 70. The film played for 66 weeks, establishing the theater's longest engagement. For much of the period from 1963 to 2002, the Dome did not use the three-projector process for regular screenings, despite its Cinerama-inspired design. The theater's survival became uncertain in the late 1990s as multiplex cinemas became the dominant business model in motion-picture exhibition. Pacific Theatres proposed remodeling the property as part of a shopping and multiplex complex. Preservationists and Cinerama advocates opposed a plan that might eliminate or substantially alter the historic auditorium. Their efforts coincided with a revival of interest in three-projector Cinerama among enthusiasts. The building was designated a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument in 1998, helping establish a preservation framework for the structure. After a closure of roughly two years, the Dome reopened in 2002 as part of the ArcLight Hollywood complex. The renovation added three-strip Cinerama capability, placing the venue among the very small number of surviving theaters able to present the original format. The Dome continued to adapt to changes in exhibition technology. It introduced digital projection in 2005, hosted a live musical appearance by members of Johnny Cash's backing band in 2006, presented its first 3D film with Avatar in 2009, and installed a laser-projection system in 2015. The theater retained 35mm and 70mm film capability, supporting both contemporary event releases and large-format repertory screenings. The COVID-19 pandemic forced the Cinerama Dome and the adjoining ArcLight Hollywood complex to close in 2020. In April 2021, the parent company announced that the ArcLight and Pacific Theatres locations would not reopen. The closure transformed the Dome from an operating cinema into a preservation and redevelopment issue. Later proposals included reopening the auditorium under the Cinerama Hollywood name and adding hospitality and event uses. The proposed schedule shifted several times as plans for bars, restaurants, and redesigned event areas evolved. Beginning in 2020, filmmaker Benjamin Steinberg's Save Your Cinema campaign advocated for the Dome to reopen or be leased to another exhibitor. The campaign used online organizing, social media, a petition, and public demonstrations. By 2025, the petition reportedly had exceeded 30,000 signatures. Public discussions also involved Dome Center LLC, Robertson Properties Group, Decurion Corporation, local permitting authorities, and consultants representing the property. A conditional-use application for on-site alcohol service was filed in 2025, but it did not provide a firm reopening date. In 2026, the campaign included a projection protest on the building. Steinberg paused the active campaign after police involvement and concerns raised by representatives of the Forman family. Public hearings nevertheless continued to reflect strong interest in restoring the venue. In July 2026, Sony Pictures announced that it had acquired the leases for the Cinerama Dome and former ArcLight Hollywood complex. The announced redevelopment plan called for renovations beginning in August 2026 and a 2028 reopening, with the former ArcLight multiplex intended to operate as an Alamo Drafthouse Cinema. Until construction is completed, the Dome's operating status remains uncertain.

• 2026

  Sony Pictures redevelopment announcement

  [1]Cinerama Domeen.wikipedia.org

  Sony Pictures announced plans to reopen the Dome and former ArcLight complex in 2028 after acquiring the leases.

• 2022

  Cinerama Hollywood proposal

  [1]Cinerama Domeen.wikipedia.org

  Plans were reported to reopen the theater under the Cinerama Hollywood name with added food, beverage, and event facilities.

• 2021

  Permanent ArcLight shutdown announced

  [1]Cinerama Domeen.wikipedia.org

  Pacific Theatres announced that its locations, including the Cinerama Dome, would not reopen.

• 2020

  Pandemic closure

  [1]Cinerama Domeen.wikipedia.org

  The Dome closed during the COVID-19 pandemic and did not resume regular operations.

• 2015

  Laser projection upgrade

  [1]Cinerama Domeen.wikipedia.org

  The theater installed dual Christie 6P laser projectors and Dolby 3D technology.

• 2009

  First 3D presentation

  [1]Cinerama Domeen.wikipedia.org

  Avatar became the first 3D film shown at the Dome.

• 2005

  Digital projection debut

  [1]Cinerama Domeen.wikipedia.org

  Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith marked the venue's first digital presentation.

• 2002

  ArcLight Hollywood reopening

  [1]Cinerama Domeen.wikipedia.org

  The Dome reopened after renovation as part of the ArcLight Hollywood complex and gained three-strip Cinerama capability.

• 1998

  Historic-Cultural Monument designation

  [1]Cinerama Domeen.wikipedia.org

  Los Angeles recognized the building as a Historic-Cultural Monument.

• 1988

  25th-anniversary screening

  [1]Cinerama Domeen.wikipedia.org

  The opening film returned for a screening commemorating the theater's 25th anniversary.

• 1963

  Construction and opening

  [1]Cinerama Domeen.wikipedia.org

  Pacific Theatres built the geodesic-dome theater in Hollywood, which opened on November 7 with the world premiere of It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World.

• 1963

  Record-setting opening engagement

  [1]Cinerama Domeen.wikipedia.org

  It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World played at the Dome for 66 weeks, the venue's longest-running film engagement.

A premium, architecturally distinctive Hollywood cinema centered on immersive large-format presentation, historic film exhibition, and the cultural prestige of a landmark venue.

• Movie theater · 1963

  Cinerama Dome auditorium

  The landmark single-screen auditorium is the core offering of the Cinerama Dome brand. Its geodesic concrete shell, large deeply curved screen, loge seating, stadium seating, floating stairs, and advanced acoustics were developed to create an immersive presentation environment. The auditorium has historically supported first-run films, premieres, repertory screenings, and special events.

• Cinema technology and exhibition · 1963

  Large-format film presentation

  The Dome was built around widescreen Cinerama exhibition and has supported single-strip 70mm, three-strip Cinerama, and 35mm presentation. Its curved screen and projection geometry allow the venue to serve as a specialized setting for large-format film engagements and cinematic events.

• Cinema technology and exhibition · 2005

  Digital, 3D, and laser projection

  The theater expanded beyond photochemical projection with digital presentation introduced in 2005, XpanD 3D used for Avatar in 2009, and a dual Christie 6P laser system with Dolby 3D installed in 2015. The upgrades complemented rather than replaced the venue's retained 35mm and 70mm capabilities.

• 2026Projection protest for reopening

  Hollywood · Los Angeles

  A protest organized by Benjamin Steinberg projected a reopening message onto the Dome's exterior, drawing police involvement and renewed attention to the venue's unresolved status.

  Outcome. The demonstration was stopped after concerns were raised that it could be viewed as harassment. Subsequent public discussion acknowledged the intensity of community interest, and Sony Pictures later announced a 2028 reopening plan.

  Source
• 2020Save Your Cinema

  Los Angeles · United States

  Filmmaker Benjamin Steinberg began a grassroots campaign after the pandemic closure to encourage the property's owners to restore the Cinerama Dome or lease it to another cinema operator. The effort used social media, public advocacy, and an online petition.

  Outcome. The campaign kept the Dome's future in public view and the petition surpassed 30,000 signatures, but the theater did not immediately reopen. Steinberg later paused active campaigning after a 2026 projection protest created concerns about possible legal conflict.

  Source

• 2026

  Sony Pictures acquires leases and announces reopening planM&A

  Background

  Years of closure and uncertain redevelopment left the Dome and former ArcLight Hollywood complex without an operating cinema tenant.

  Action taken

  Sony Pictures announced that it had purchased the leases and planned renovations beginning in August 2026, with reopening targeted for 2028.

  Aftermath

  The announced plan would restore the Cinerama Dome and convert the former ArcLight multiplex into an Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, subject to completion of the redevelopment.

  Source

• 2022

  Propose a Cinerama Hollywood relaunchStrategy

  Background

  After the permanent shutdown of the former operator, Decurion Corporation was reported to be considering a new operating concept for the Dome and adjoining multiplex.

  Action taken

  The proposal used the Cinerama Hollywood name and contemplated two bars, a restaurant, and event-oriented uses.

  Aftermath

  The planned reopening was repeatedly delayed and did not occur on the initially discussed schedule.

  Source

• 2021

  Do not reopen after the pandemic closureStrategy

  Background

  The Cinerama Dome and ArcLight Hollywood had been closed during the COVID-19 pandemic, which severely disrupted cinema exhibition.

  Action taken

  The parent company announced that Pacific Theatres and ArcLight locations, including the Dome, would remain closed.

  Aftermath

  The property entered a prolonged period of vacancy, redevelopment proposals, permitting activity, and public campaigns for restoration.

  Source

• 2015

  Adopt laser projection while retaining film capabilityGeneration change

  Background

  Digital and 3D exhibition had become important parts of the cinema business, while the Dome retained a reputation for film presentation.

  Action taken

  The theater installed two Christie 6P laser projectors and Dolby 3D technology while continuing to support 35mm and 70mm projection.

  Aftermath

  The upgrade allowed the venue to present modern digital and 3D releases without abandoning its large-format film identity.

  Source

• 2002

  Reopen as the ArcLight Hollywood centerpieceStrategy

  Background

  The theater underwent an approximately two-year closure during a major property redevelopment.

  Action taken

  Pacific Theatres reopened the Dome within the ArcLight Hollywood complex and installed three-strip Cinerama projection.

  Aftermath

  The venue combined historic architecture and Cinerama presentation with a contemporary multiplex and premium cinema operating model.

  Source

• 1998

  Preserve the historic Dome during redevelopmentStrategy

  Background

  Pacific Theatres' late-1990s redevelopment concept raised concern that the historic auditorium could be converted, heavily altered, or removed as multiplex cinema became more dominant.

  Action taken

  Preservationists and Cinerama enthusiasts opposed the proposed treatment, and the building received Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument designation.

  Aftermath

  The Dome survived as a distinct auditorium and later reopened as the central feature of the ArcLight Hollywood complex.

  Source

1. 1Cinerama Domeen.wikipedia.org
2. 2Cinerama Dome theater referenceseeing-stars.com