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LOS ANGELES () — As the nation marks its 250th birthday, moviegoers in Southern California are stepping back in time to experience a classic piece of Americana: the movie palace. Across downtown Los Angeles, historic theaters are drawing crowds for special screenings and events, offering a glimpse into the golden age of cinema.
At venues like the Los Angeles Theatre and the Orpheum Theatre, audiences are gathering for showings, ranging from the musical “Mary Poppins” to double features of Charlie Chaplin classics. These events give film fans a chance to enjoy movies on the big screen in settings known for their ornate architecture and historic significance.
“It’s amazing architecture and a beautiful building. It’s so nice to see so many people out here that support the same thing,” said Justine Friend of Long Beach.
Others say the experience goes beyond the films themselves.
“I love the Orpheum. It seems to be the most, one of the best examples of restoration of old cinemas in Los Angeles,” said Kenneth Gehrig of Sun Valley.
Preservation efforts have played a key role in keeping these theatres open. The Los Angeles Theatre, located near the Orpheum, was saved from demolition decades ago.
“It was saved from the wrecking ball back in the ’80s by the Delijani family. So the effort since then has been to preserve these theaters that you see along Broadway. The cultural significance cannot be replicated,” said Armani Kaiser, the manager of Los Angeles Theatre. “That’s the goal,” he said, “To keep these as theatres and to keep them accessible to the public.”
Organizations like the L.A. Conservancy have also worked for years to protect historic sites across the city.
“It’s about educating, advocating for historic places throughout L.A. County. It’s not just about saving historic theaters, but historic neighborhoods like downtown. It’s getting people to appreciate and understand and experience places that maybe they’ve never done before,” said Adrian Scott Fine of the Los Angeles Conservancy.
At the Orpheum, some screenings even feature a live organist, adding another layer to the vintage moviegoing experience.
For photographer Mike Hume, documenting these spaces has become part of a broader mission to preserve their legacy.
“It is to make sure that we document these beautiful palaces that we built to have that communal shared experience so that they’re preserved for future generations to come,” he said.
Hume also hopes the experience encourages people to seek out historic theaters in their own communities.
“There’s nothing better than seeing a movie or a live event in a theater with other people rather than on that small box in our front rooms. I hope it inspires people to go out and see historic theaters in their area,” he said.
Beyond downtown, Los Angeles is home to other iconic venues, including the El Capitan Theatre, the TCL Chinese Theatre and the Egyptian Theatre – offering even more opportunities for audiences to rediscover the magic of the movie palace.
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