Portland is a place that celebrates the arts, with inspired art communities and museums all around the city. But perhaps the most famous and iconic is the Hollywood Theatre. Built in 1926, the Hollywood Theatre is an Oregon Landmark; a place that celebrates the old, and welcomes the new. While most well-known for showing classic film reels on its 50-foot screen, the Hollywood also shows experimental titles, art house flicks, and regularly hosts film festivals in its historic building. The Hollywood Theatre has welcomed many famous actors and directors over the years, and continues to shine as an artistic center in the community.
One of Oregon’s most splendid treasures, The Hollywood Theatre, has been entertaining Portlanders since 1926.
The Hollywood Theatre/Facebook The theatre is actually owned by the non-profit organization Film Action Oregon, who took the reins in 1997 and truly transformed this theatre into what it is today.
Since its opening, the Hollywood Theatre has been a place for dreamers and artists.
Hollywood Theatre
The Hollywood Theatre opened its doors on Saturday, July 17, 1926, with a showing of the silent film More Pay, Less Work.
The Hollywood Theatre/Facebook A 1,500-seat theatre complete with an eight-piece orchestra and in-house organist, the Hollywood Theatre was the last venue in Portland built as both a vaudeville house and a movie theatre.
Over the years, many famous actors have visited the historic theatre, including George Takei.
The Hollywood Theatre/Facebook And in 1983, the Hollywood was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
Today, this movie house remains a splendid place to catch a flick.
The Hollywood Theatre/Facebook The Hollywood Theatre screens first-run films, but is best-known for showing classic cinema and experimental titles.
The theatre’s inside has been painstakingly cared for over the years, and truly shines.
The Hollywood Theatre/Facebook
Many of the theatre’s old features remain, like this vintage chandelier in the theatre’s lobby.
John Kutasz/Google Local
And inside the Main Auditorium, the iconic pipe organ stands proudly, and is often played during films.
Hollywood Theatre
A place to celebrate the art of film, the Hollywood Theatre’s events are red-carpet worthy.
The Hollywood Theatre/Facebook Old Hollywood glamor is king here.
And the spirit of Hollywood Theatre isn’t limited to its historic halls, either.
CK OnePlus/GoogleLocal In 2017, in partnership with the Port of Portland, the Hollywood opened a 17-seat microcinema in the Portland International Airport. The first of its kind, this cinema showcases short films by Oregon filmmakers—and tickets are free.
Following the events and closures of 2020, the Hollywood pivoted to bring cinema to the people.
The Hollywood Theatre/Facebook
They partnered with Portland Expo Center for an epic, outdoor theatre event.
The Hollywood Theatre/Facebook
This drive-in movie experience was a total throwback, and a huge hit with Portlanders.
The Hollywood Theatre/Facebook
Today, this Oregon theatre has a national reputation for award-winning film programming, innovative educational programs, and supporting independent filmmakers.
The Hollywood Theatre/Facebook
It remains a place of intrigue and inspiration, its stunning building anchoring Portland’s Hollywood District (named, in fact, for the eponymous theatre).
Management/TripAdvisor
This nearly century-old building is a beloved Portland landmark, bringing the art of film to life on the big screen, and inspiring new generations of artists and visionaries.
Travis Halfman/Google Local
The Hollywood Theatre isn’t simply a historic Oregon landmark; it’s the creative cornerstone of the Portland art community, and a place with a vision that continues to reach far beyond its historic halls. Check out showtimes, events, and ticket information at the Hollywood Theatre website.
The Hollywood Theatre/Facebook
The theatre is actually owned by the non-profit organization Film Action Oregon, who took the reins in 1997 and truly transformed this theatre into what it is today.
Hollywood Theatre
A 1,500-seat theatre complete with an eight-piece orchestra and in-house organist, the Hollywood Theatre was the last venue in Portland built as both a vaudeville house and a movie theatre.
And in 1983, the Hollywood was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
The Hollywood Theatre screens first-run films, but is best-known for showing classic cinema and experimental titles.
John Kutasz/Google Local
Old Hollywood glamor is king here.
CK OnePlus/GoogleLocal
In 2017, in partnership with the Port of Portland, the Hollywood opened a 17-seat microcinema in the Portland International Airport. The first of its kind, this cinema showcases short films by Oregon filmmakers—and tickets are free.
Management/TripAdvisor
Travis Halfman/Google Local
And if you’re into Oregon film history, you’ll probably be surprised by these 19 movies that were filmed here in The Beaver State!
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