El Capitan Theatre – Hollywood Movie Palace

Step into Hollywood’s grandest restored movie palace — a lavish 1926 Spanish‑Baroque gem showcasing Disney premieres, spectacular organ shows, and cinematic history.

The El Capitan Theatre on Hollywood Blvd first opened on May 3, 1926, as Hollywood’s “First Home of Spoken Drama” under the vision of developer Charles E. Toberman. Designed in Spanish Colonial Revival and lavish East‑Indian interiors by Morgan, Walls & Clements with G. Albert Lansburgh, the theatre hosted over 120 live plays before transforming into a movie palace in 1942 with the world premiere of Citizen Kane in 1941. Thanks to Disney and Pacific Theatres’ restoration in 1989–91, it now shines as a beautifully preserved, single-screen venue for Disney premieres, Wurlitzer organ performances, and special events. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

What Makes It Special?

Lavish 1926 Spanish‑Baroque facade and Churrigueresque lobby by Morgan, Walls & Clements :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
East‑Indian inspired auditorium interiors designed by G. Albert Lansburgh :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Historic Wurlitzer “Fox Special” organ from 1929, still performing pre‑show concerts :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
Site of Citizen Kane’s world premiere in 1941 :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
Fully restored by Disney in 1991 to original 1926 splendour :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
Home to Disney studio premieres, live stage shows, organ recitals & events :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
Operated by Disney’s Buena Vista, part of the adjacent El Capitan Entertainment Centre :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}