The iconic Cinerama Dome and ArcLight Hollywood are closer to reopening after Los Angeles' Office of Zoning Administration approved a conditional use permit for alcohol service. Despite this progress, owners Dome Center LLC have not announced a reopening date.
Permit Details and Complex Plans
The permit allows for the serving of alcoholic beverages for on-site consumption from 7 a.m. to 4 a.m. daily, applicable for three years. This authorization covers the entire theater complex, including the Cinerama Dome Theater, 14 auditoriums, and an eatery with two outdoor terraces.
Elizabeth Petersen-Gower, representing Dome Center LLC, emphasized the commitment to redeveloping the property. "This is a long-standing property, and they're really working very hard to redevelop the site," she stated.
Community Support and Historical Significance
During the public hearing, Ted Walker, planning deputy for Los Angeles City Council District 13, voiced strong support, citing the Cinerama Dome as a cultural monument. Walker remarked, "We're very supportive of anything to bring life back into this. We know there's a lot of love for the Cinerama Dome."
Burbank City Council member Konstantine Anthony, a former usher at the Dome, expressed enthusiasm for the preservation efforts, stating, "Anything we can do to preserve this historic landmark in the city of Los Angeles would be fantastic."
Envisioning Future Events
Petersen-Gower hinted at potential future events, including film premieres. "There have been a lot of grand openings of films here," she said, adding that collaborations with the Blue Note jazz club are likely.
The Blue Note jazz club, which opened in 2025 within the same development, has been successful, according to Petersen-Gower. She highlighted its role in bringing top jazz artists to Hollywood and noted its contributions to local artist development.
Community Involvement and Next Steps
Several hearing participants urged the establishment of a reopening timeline, emphasizing a community desire to "bring Hollywood back." Petersen-Gower assured that updates would be shared as plans progress.
The Cinerama Dome and ArcLight Hollywood have been closed since the COVID-19 pandemic, with ongoing renovations despite remaining boarded up. The community's enthusiasm for the venue's revival remains strong, as stakeholders await further developments.
Source: https://variety.com/2026/film/news/cinerama-dome-close-to-opening-approves-alcohol-permit-1236745980/
