Grauman's Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, California

Arguably one of the most iconic buildings in California, Gramaun's Chinese Theatre (now the TCL Chinese Theatre) broke ground in Los Angeles in 1926. In a partnership lead by Sid Grauman, the theatre was commissioned following the success of Grauman's Egyptian Theatre, which like this one, is a notable landmark also found on Hollywood Boulevard. 

The Chinese Theatre is perhaps best known for its tradition of immortalizing celebrities' handprints, footprints, and signatures in cement. This is not to be confused with the Walk of Fame along the sidewalk - the courtyard out front of Grauman's features less than 200 celebrities and is a far more exclusive honor. That's not to say the location isn't a tourist trap. Nearly 4 million people visit this movie theatre every year.  

In 2013 the TCL corporation purchased naming rights for the Chinese Theatre, and it underwent a massive renovation to house the largest IMAX auditorium in the world (932 seats). Since its construction, the Chinese Theatre has been a hot spot for world film premieres, and to this day it still operates as a first-run commercial movie theatre. 

Ghosting image of Chinese Theatre. 1950s merged with 2014.