Chinese Theatre in Hollywood to Close for Renovations

The former Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, now called TCL Chinese Theatre, will close its doors May 1 for renovations.

Imax Corp. is coming to the location, with 986 seats and a screen that's 94 feet wide. Additionally, the floor, lighting and projection booth will all undergo some changes, according to Curbed L.A.

The floor (changed many times over the years) will be put on a steeper slope and the enormous new screen will descend partway into what is now the basement, according to Hillsman Wright of the Los Angeles Historic Theatre Foundation, who's been working with the Chinese. The projection booth will also be moved forward and lowered a bit (over the theater's fake balcony).

"The renovations will not affect any of the historic architecture," a statement posted on the theater's website said. "We have been working closely with the Historic Resources Group every step of the way to ensure that we do not alter anything that is historically significant."

The theater is scheduled to reopen in late summer, Curbed reported.