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Million Dollar Theater facade

Last weekend, we took in a Robert Altman double-feature—Nashville and McCabe and Mrs. Miller—at the 104-year-old Million Dollar Theater in downtown L.A. This was the first time we'd been to the theater district—one of our favorite haunts—since the shutdown and so strolled triumphantly down Broadway. I forgot how much I missed the city.

Not as grand as some of the other movie palaces downtown, the Million Dollar was Sid Grauman's first venture before building the Egyptian and Chinese theaters on Hollywood Blvd. In the 1950s/60s, the Million Dollar showed Spanish-language films, which I fondly remember seeing with my gramma. Not much renovation has been done in recent years. Still, it remains an active movie house, showing films for the Secret Movie Club and other special occasions. A fun place to spend a nostalgic afternoon or evening.

Window treatment, front facade

Tin lobby ceiling

Box seats, stage right

Ground floor lighting fixtures above our seats

At intermission, we walked five blocks south to pay a quick visit to the new Apple store recently opened inside the beautifully-refurbished nearly 100-year-old Tower Theatre. Tim distracted himself with new Apple products, while I went crazy taking photos of all the breath-taking renovations. 

Exterior

Main shopping area, looking toward 

former stage

Stage detail

Side walls

Foyer ceiling detail

Main room ceiling, faux skylight

Chandelier and stained-glass window

above lobby

Stairwell columns

Stairwell ceiling

Ground floor, looking up at Genius Bar in former balcony

Globe Theater marquee welcoming Apple to the neighborhood