Hollywood & Highland Complex

Overview

Once known as the Hollywood & Highland Complex, this iconic destination has been reimagined and is now called Ovation Hollywood. Nestled at the bustling intersection of Hollywood Boulevard and Highland Avenue in Los Angeles, California, Ovation Hollywood stands as a vibrant entertainment, dining, and retail hub. It serves as a central point for exploring the legendary Hollywood Walk of Fame, offering a modern experience while retaining its deep connection to the golden age of cinema.

The complex is famously home to the Dolby Theatre, the permanent venue for the Academy Awards, and sits adjacent to the historic TCL Chinese Theatre, known for its celebrity handprints and footprints. Ovation Hollywood is a must-visit for anyone seeking to immerse themselves in the glamour and history of Hollywood, providing both contemporary attractions and glimpses into the past. It offers views of the iconic Hollywood Sign, adding to its allure as a prime tourist destination.

History & Cultural Background

The site where Ovation Hollywood now stands has a rich history, beginning as the location of the grand Hollywood Hotel in 1902. The original Hollywood & Highland Complex opened its doors on November 9, 2001, developed with the vision of revitalizing Hollywood Boulevard and providing a dedicated home for the Academy Awards. Its initial design paid homage to the epic silent film 'Intolerance' by D.W. Griffith, featuring a massive central courtyard with Babylonian-inspired arches and elephant sculptures. This architectural choice was meant to give visitors a sense of the scale of early Hollywood sets.

In 2019, a major transformation began when the complex was acquired by DJM and Gaw Capital USA. A $100 million renovation project commenced in 2020, leading to its official renaming as Ovation Hollywood in 2022. This extensive redesign phased out the original Babylonian theme, including the removal of the elephant sculptures, in favor of a more streamlined, Art Deco-inspired aesthetic, aiming to create a more inviting and modern public space. This evolution reflects Hollywood's ongoing journey, balancing its storied past with contemporary appeal.

What Makes It Special

Ovation Hollywood's unique appeal lies in its unparalleled concentration of Hollywood's most celebrated landmarks. The Dolby Theatre, specifically designed with the Academy Awards broadcast in mind, is the centerpiece, offering a glimpse into the annual spectacle that captivates a global audience. Its 'Awards Walk' features columns displaying the names of past Best Picture Oscar recipients, a subtle nod to cinematic history.

Adjacent to this is the world-renowned TCL Chinese Theatre, where visitors can literally walk in the footsteps of legends by comparing their hands and feet to the imprints of movie stars in the forecourt. Furthermore, the complex offers strategically placed observation decks that provide some of the best panoramic views of the iconic Hollywood Sign, making it a prime spot for photography and enjoying the quintessential Los Angeles vista.

Stories, Fun Facts & Local Details

The initial concept for the Hollywood & Highland Complex drew inspiration from a rather unexpected source: D.W. Griffith's 1916 film 'Intolerance.' The colossal Babylonian set from the movie, built east of the current location, inspired the original massive archway and elephant-topped pillars, giving a tangible sense of cinematic grandeur. During the recent renovation, these distinctive elephants were removed, marking a symbolic shift in the complex's aesthetic.

Another fascinating detail is how the Dolby Theatre was purpose-built to host the Academy Awards. Its stage is designed for the scale and technical demands of the telecast, and columns leading to the theatre feature blank spaces for future Best Picture winners up to 2071, literally paving the way for cinematic history. The TCL Chinese Theatre's famous handprint and footprint ceremony tradition reputedly began accidentally when actress Norma Talmadge stepped into wet cement in 1927, giving Sid Grauman the idea for this beloved Hollywood ritual.

Visitor Perspective

For the curious traveler, Ovation Hollywood provides a seamless entry point into the heart of Hollywood. It is easily accessible, with the Metro B Line's Hollywood/Highland station located directly beneath the complex, making public transportation a convenient option. If driving, a large parking structure is available with entrances on Highland Avenue and Orange Drive.

The complex itself offers multiple levels of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues, catering to a wide range of tastes. Visitors can enjoy a meal, catch a movie, or simply soak in the atmosphere. Self-guided tours of the Dolby Theatre are often available, offering an insider's look at the home of the Oscars. Its central location makes it ideal for exploring surrounding attractions like the Hollywood Walk of Fame, which extends directly outside its doors, and Madame Tussauds Hollywood, ensuring a full day of iconic Hollywood experiences.