The Dolby Theatre Los Angeles, Los Angeles — Visitor Guide & Things to Do Nearby

The Dolby Theatre is the permanent home of the Academy Awards and one of the most recognized entertainment venues in the world. It sits at the heart of the Hollywood & Highland complex on Hollywood Boulevard. The theatre opened on November 9, 2001, originally as the Kodak Theatre, and was purpose-built to host the Oscars. With 3,332 seats and a stage 120 feet wide, it was designed by David Rockwell to accommodate the scale and spectacle of the ceremony. The auditorium has hosted every Academy Awards since the 74th ceremony in 2002. The building's design includes deliberate nods to Hollywood glamour. The grand staircase is modelled after operatic traditions, and the columns flanking the entrance are inscribed with the names of every Best Picture winner. When a new winner is announced each year, a new name is added to the stonework. Beyond the Oscars, the Dolby Theatre hosts concerts, magic shows, and touring performances year-round. Its sound system, with 215 speakers powered by Dolby Atmos technology, makes it one of the most acoustically advanced venues in the country. Guided tours run daily and take you through the auditorium, backstage areas, and the VIP lounge where winners celebrate after collecting their statues. If you're on a Questo quest along Hollywood Boulevard, the Dolby Theatre is a stop where the history of cinema is literally written into the walls.