The Kodak Theatre, the anchor of Los Angeles’ Hollywood & Highland destination site, is Southern California’s home for the best in fine arts, live theatre, concerts, award shows and special events. The theater, home to the annual Academy Awards ceremonies, opened in November of 2001 and hosted its first Academy Awards Presentation five months later.
One of the most ambitious real estate developments in the world, Hollywood & Highland is the catalyst for a renaissance that is taking place in Hollywood. Hollywood & Highland, located at that intersection in Hollywood, combines over 70 world-class retailers, a six-screen expansion of the historic Grauman's Chinese Theatre, and a new 640-room Renaissance Hollywood Hotel with a hip, mid-century modern design.
The Kodak Theatre, a $94 million project, is designed with state-of-the-art technology that optimizes the venue for the presentation, recording and broadcast of world class live entertainment – from concerts and Broadway shows to the performing arts and award shows.
The auditorium’s seating capacity and configuration is completely flexible to fit every performance need and can range from 2,200 for live theatre to 3,500 for concerts and awards shows. Three balcony levels will bring visitors close to one of the largest theater stages in the country – 113 feet wide and 60 feet deep. In addition there are 24 theatre boxes with four seats each.
The Kodak Theatre was designed by the internationally-renowned Rockwell Group. Founded in 1994 by David Rockwell, New York-based Rockwell Group is a full-service, award-winning architecture firm of 90 staff members. The firm's best-known commissions include the W New York and W Union Square; the Children's Hospital at Montefiore in the Bronx; the Mohegan Sun Casino and Project Sunburst.
The theatre interior is highlighted by a "tiara," a striking oval chandelier that is intertwined by smaller ovals, coated in silver leaf, that is the main interior design element. Its models are classical and modern: the floor pattern of Michelangelo's Campidoglio in Rome, and the ever-expanding shapes of Busby Berkeley's dance choreography.
Images courtesy of Timothy Street Porter.
While the theatre was designed to draw attention to the action on the stage, as well as to achieve the maximum amount of intimacy between audience and performers (the balconies are pushed as far forward as possible), the Kodak Theatre is appointed with sumptuous details that give the space a shimmering glow – including curtains of two shades of iridescent fabric and a fine bronze mesh that stretches to the top of the proscenium.
The grand spiral staircase that connects four lobby levels sparkles with thousands of glass beads adhered to the walls.
The theatre includes a unique “media cockpit,” that has a special lift in the center of the orchestra seating. During live broadcasts, it can be the technical heart of the production and can contain television cameras and other equipment.
The complex has notable provisions for the annual Academy Awards® Presentation, including a pressa area in the hotel for 1,500 journalists, and staging for a gala arrival sequence that allows celebrities to be photographed, interviewed and welcomed.
Also featured is a 40,000 square-foot Grand Ballroom, featuring the renowned culinary wizardry of Wolfgang Puck as caterer.
The Kodak Theatre is a world-class theatre and has quickly become a Hollywood institution,” said Shaul Kuba, principal of CIM Group. “The location at Hollywood & Highland creates a unique destination that includes first class restaurants, great retail shops and easily accessible parking all surrounded by the glamour of Hollywood.”
Publication date: 23 January 2007