The iconic Cinerama Dome in Hollywood is one step closer to reopening after an administrator from the Los Angeles Office of Zoning Administration expressed support for a conditional use permit for alcohol sales on Tuesday.
This permit is crucial for the reopening of the historic 63-year-old theater on Sunset Boulevard, which has been closed since March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The permit, valid for three years, covers the entire theater complex, including the main auditorium, 14 smaller screening rooms, and a restaurant café with two outdoor dining terraces. Elizabeth Petersen-Gower, representing Dome Center LLC, the theater’s owners, described the approval as a “milestone” in their efforts to redevelop the site. However, she did not provide a specific timeline for reopening, stating, “I too don’t have a schedule yet, but when I do, I’ll convey it to you,” as reported by the Los Angeles Times.
The Cinerama Dome, which opened in 1963 with the film ‘It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World,’ has hosted numerous premieres and panel discussions over the years. Its closure was initially described as temporary, but in April 2021, Pacific Theaters announced it would not reopen, sparking grassroots efforts to save the venue.
During a public hearing, more than 30 people, including former employees and Kat Kramer, daughter of the film’s director Stanley Kramer, voiced support for the Dome’s reopening. Many emphasized the theater’s cultural significance, with Ted Walker, planning deputy for Council District 13, calling it a “L.A. historic cultural monument.” He added, “We’re very supportive of anything to bring life back into this,” according to KTLA.
Despite the positive steps, some attendees expressed concerns about the delays in reopening. A commenter questioned whether the closure was a strategy to eventually demolish the building for new developments, while another said the delays felt like “keeping a bit of our heritage hostage.”
The theater complex’s ongoing renovations include the successful opening of the Blue Note jazz club in 2025, which has brought significant attention to the site. Petersen-Gower noted that the success of the jazz club demonstrates the ownership’s commitment to revitalizing the area. As the community eagerly awaits the Dome’s reopening, the approval of the alcohol permit marks a significant step forward.
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