Viva Cinerama Dome! Sony is officially bringing back one of Hollywood’s most beloved and iconic movie theaters, which has been closed since 2020.
Sony Pictures Entertainment, which began investing in exhibition with the acquisition of Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas in 2024, announced plans to restore the Cinerama Dome and reopen it in 2028. The historic theater went dark during the pandemic and, unfortunately for Angelenos, remained permanently closed after owner Pacific Theaters, which includes ArcLight Cinemas, filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in 2021.
As part of the deal, Sony will also reopen the adjacent 14-screen theater complex (formerly ArcLight Cinemas) as the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema. The multiplex will offer Alamo Drafthouse’s signature dine-in service, and the complex will maintain 35mm capabilities for displaying archival film prints and house several premium format screens, including a 70mm hole.
“Oh my god! We’re bringing back the Dome, baby. We believe in moviegoing that touches the soul, and there’s no venue on earth that epitomizes that better than the one-of-a-kind Dome. We’re literally so proud of Sony’s investment in Hollywood,” said Tom Rothman, chairman and CEO of Sony Film Group. “The Dome has produced unforgettable movie moments for generations. Our goal is to preserve its legendary history and ensure it remains vibrant now and well into the distant future.”
The dome is not yet ready to reopen its doors to patrons. Restoration work on the venue will begin next month and is expected to continue until 2028. Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas will operate the space, but Sony promises that “its historic heritage and unique moviegoing experience will be respected and carefully preserved, while the iconic Cinerama name and exterior branding will remain intact.” Although the Dome will not operate as a dine-in theater, its traditional programming will include repertory screenings, filmmaker series, premieres, and special events.
The Cinerama Dome opened in 1963 and features its famous 86-foot-wide panoramic screen designed to immerse audiences in the viewing experience. Before its closure, the complex was one of the city’s most profitable complexes and a popular venue for glitzy premieres and events, including a special screening of Quentin Tarantino’s “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.” Decurion Corporation’s Robertson Property Group will retain ownership of the property, and Sony will operate the theater under a lease agreement.
Ravi Ahuja, chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures Entertainment, said: “No other moviegoing destination in the world has the love, history and cultural significance of Cinerama Dome. It represents an extraordinary experience that we cherish and champion.” “This is a meaningful moment for our company, our industry, and Los Angeles. We look forward to honoring and extending the Dome’s extraordinary legacy.”
Alamo Drafthouse was founded in 1997 and currently operates 10-screen movie theaters in downtown Los Angeles and 39 locations across the United States. The chain, known for its no-talking, no-texting policy, recently introduced a new mobile ordering service that replaces the traditional paper-and-pen method with servers, drawing criticism from some movie theater purists. Alamo Drafthouse filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in 2021, before the circuit was acquired by Sony, as the global theater chain struggled to survive amid prolonged coronavirus-related closures.
“For 30 years, we’ve championed theatrical experiences that turn screenings into events, creating spaces where people can come together to celebrate movies,” said Michael Kusterman, CEO of Alamo Drafthouse and head of the Sony Pictures Experience. “As our new West Coast flagship, we will continue to offer great programming and events as we return to Los Angeles, one of our most beloved and culturally significant movie destinations.”
(Photo: Sony lights up the Dome on Tuesday night to commemorate Columbia Pictures’ first premiere at the Dome on November 18, 1977.)
