State Theatre

State Theatre Los Angeles: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Attractions Guide

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

Nestled in the heart of downtown Los Angeles’ Broadway Theatre District, the State Theatre is an enduring symbol of the city’s cinematic and architectural heritage. Opened in 1921, this Spanish Renaissance-style movie palace was designed by Weeks and Day, serving both as an entertainment venue and an office tower, and quickly became a cultural hub during Hollywood’s golden age. Although regular public operations ceased in the late 1990s, the State Theatre remains an iconic landmark, occasionally opening for special events and tours. This comprehensive guide provides up-to-date information on visiting hours, tickets, architectural highlights, accessibility, and tips for making the most of your visit.

For historical background and the latest updates, consult the Los Angeles Conservancy, Broadway Theatre Group, and Pacific Coast Architecture Database.

Introduction
History and Early Years
Architectural Significance
Cultural and Cinematic Impact
Adaptive Reuse and Preservation
Visitor Information: Hours, Tickets, Accessibility
Architectural Features and Interior Highlights
Notable Events and Community Role
FAQs
Nearby Attractions & Travel Tips
Plan Your Visit & Stay Connected
References and Further Reading

History and Early Years

The State Theatre opened on November 12, 1921, replacing the former Vogel Block. Designed as the West Coast flagship for Loew’s subsidiary Metro Pictures, the grand opening featured “A Trip To Paradise.” Notable personalities like Marcus Loew and manager Nat Holt contributed to its early prominence. Its strategic location and lavish offerings quickly made it a cornerstone of Los Angeles’ theatre district.

Architectural Significance

The State Theatre is celebrated for its Spanish Renaissance style with Beaux-Arts and Moorish influences (PCAD). Its auditorium once seated over 2,400 guests, featuring state-of-the-art projection and sound systems. The exterior, clad in terra cotta, is distinguished by its classical motifs, while the interior boasts marble floors, grand staircases, and intricate plasterwork.

The United Building, housing the theatre, rises 12 stories and exemplifies the era’s trend towards mixed-use development, combining office space above the theatre. This was a forward-thinking approach to maximizing urban real estate and ensuring financial viability in a rapidly growing city (PCAD).

Cultural and Cinematic Impact

As a major venue in Los Angeles’ Broadway Theatre District, the State Theatre played a pivotal role in the city’s entertainment boom. It hosted film premieres, vaudeville acts, and community events, democratizing the movie-going experience for Angelenos of all backgrounds (LA Conservancy). Its programming later adapted to the city’s cultural diversity, presenting Spanish-language films and performances for the Latino community (RAH Tours).

The theatre’s influence extended beyond movies, hosting festivals and serving as a backdrop for films and TV shows, thanks to its authentic old-Hollywood interiors.

Adaptive Reuse and Preservation

After closing as a movie theatre in 1997, the State Theatre was leased to church groups and occasionally opened for special events or guided tours, often organized by the Los Angeles Conservancy or the Los Angeles Historic Theatre Foundation (LA Conservancy). While regular programming has not resumed due to ongoing leases, preservation efforts continue, keeping the theatre’s legacy alive and advocating for its future revitalization.

Visitor Information: Hours, Tickets, Accessibility

Address

703 S. Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90014
(Cinema Treasures)

Visiting Hours

General Access: No regular public hours. Access is limited to special events, church services, or occasional open houses.
Updates: Check the official website or Los Angeles Conservancy for event announcements.

Tickets

Availability: Tickets are event-specific and typically sold online or at the box office before special events.
Public Tours: Offered only during special preservation events or walking tours.

Accessibility

Mobility: Wheelchair access is available during events, but facilities may be limited due to the building’s historic nature.
Assistive Devices: Provided for events when available. Contact organizers in advance to confirm arrangements.

Getting There

Public Transit: Steps from Pershing Square Metro Station (Red/Purple Lines) and numerous bus routes.
Parking: Several paid lots and garages are nearby; street parking is limited and metered.
Neighborhood: The Broadway corridor is walkable by day; exercise caution at night.

Architectural Features and Interior Highlights

Façade: Spanish Renaissance-style, terra cotta ornamentation, and a neon marquee (installed in 1949) (Historic Theatre Photos).
Lobby: Marble finishes, decorative columns, and period lighting.
Auditorium: Originally seated 2,400+; features include a proscenium arch, plasterwork, and balcony fronts (PCAD).
Historic Details: Moeller theatre organ (original), ornate box seats, and upper lobby with classic furnishings.

For detailed photos, visit Historic Theatre Photos.

Notable Events and Community Role

Historic Premieres: Hosted major film premieres and vaudeville acts during Hollywood’s golden age.
Spanish-Language Programming: Adapted to LA’s evolving demographics.
Recent Events: Occasional screenings, open houses, and church services.
Preservation Efforts: Featured in walking tours and as part of the Last Remaining Seats series (LA Conservancy).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is the State Theatre open for daily visitors?
A: No, general public access is limited to special events or tours. Check official sources for opportunities.

Q: Are tickets required?
A: Yes, for special events or tours. There is no general admission.

Q: Can I take a guided tour?
A: Occasionally, as part of Los Angeles Conservancy or LA Historic Theatre Foundation events.

Q: Is the theatre accessible for people with disabilities?
A: Accessibility is limited; contact event organizers in advance for details.

Q: What else can I visit nearby?
A: Other Broadway theatres (Los Angeles, Palace, Tower), Bradbury Building, Grand Central Market, and more (Time Out LA).

Nearby Attractions & Travel Tips

Broadway Theatre District: Home to the largest concentration of historic movie palaces in the U.S.
Cultural Landmarks: Walt Disney Concert Hall, The Broad, Orpheum Theatre.
Dining & Shopping: Grand Central Market, Jewelry District, and local cafes.
Safety: Daytime visits are recommended; evening visits should be planned with care.

Plan Your Visit & Stay Connected

Check Official Sources: State Theatre Official Website
Event Announcements: Los Angeles Conservancy
Download Audiala App: For immersive audio tours and real-time updates.
Social Media: Follow for event news and historic content.

Visual Gallery

State Theatre Exterior with Neon Marquee Interior View of State Theatre Auditorium Broadway Theatre District Map

Summary Table: Key Visitor Information

Feature	Details
Address	703 S. Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90014
Public Access	Not open for regular tours or performances; occasional special events only
Main Use	Leased to Cathedral of Faith church group
Capacity	Originally 2,404–2,450; currently 2,119
Architecture	Spanish Renaissance interior, Beaux Arts exterior
Accessibility	Limited; check with event organizers for details
Parking	Paid lots/garages nearby; limited street parking
Nearby Transit	Pershing Square Metro Station (Red/Purple Lines); multiple bus routes
Official Website	statetheatre.la
Contact	(213) 629-2939
Notable Nearby Sites	Los Angeles Theatre, Palace Theatre, Tower Theatre, Grand Central Market, Bradbury Building

References and Further Reading

Thank you for using this guide to the State Theatre Los Angeles. Whether you’re a history buff, architecture enthusiast, or first-time visitor, the State Theatre offers a unique connection to the city’s past and its ongoing cultural renaissance. Stay informed, plan ahead, and enjoy exploring this historic gem in downtown Los Angeles.