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Grauman’s Chinese Theatre – Los Angeles – United States of America
It was once stated that “to visit Los Angeles and not see the Chinese is like visiting China and not seeing the Great Wall.” Grauman’s opulent, awe-inspiring presence and history has been a cornerstone of Hollywood for over 75 years.
The grand opening of Grauman’s Chinese Theatre in Hollywood on May 18, 1927, was the most spectacular theatre opening in motion picture history. Thousands of people lined Hollywood Boulevard and a riot broke out as fans tried to catch a glimpse of the movie stars and other celebrities as they arrived for the opening. The film being premiered that night was Cecil B. DeMille’s “The King of Kings,” which was preceded by “Glories of the Scriptures,” a live prologue devised by master showman Sid Grauman. A Wurlitzer organ and 65-piece orchestra provided music for the prologue. The theatre opened to the public the following day, May 19, 1927.
Previously, Grauman built the Million Dollar Theatre in downtown Los Angeles and the lavish Egyptian Theatre a few blocks from the Chinese, but he wanted to build his dream theatre. Real estate mogul C.E. Toberman helped him secure a long-term lease on a piece of property on the boulevard and Grauman developed the plans for the theatre with architect Raymond Kennedy. Norma Talmadge turned the first spade full of dirt in January 1926 and beautiful Chinese actress Anna May Wong drove the first rivet in the steel girders. Built at a cost of $2,000,000, eighteen months later the Chinese Theatre opened.
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Los Angeles Zoo
photo source: inkart.net
The Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens opened on November 28, 1966. The Zoo is home to more than 1,100 mammals, birds, amphibians and reptiles representing more than 250 different species of which 29 are endangered. In addition, the Zoo’s botanical collection comprises several planted gardens and over 800 different plant species with over 7,400 individual plants. The Zoo receives over 1.5 million visitors per year and is owned and operated by the City of Los Angeles.
Highlights
Campo Gorilla Reserve is a new habitat that is home to seven western lowland gorillas. Zoo visitors walk along a forested pathway for views of two separate troops of gorillas, a family and a bachelor group, living among waterfalls and lush plants. Glassed viewing areas and planted moats are all that separates Zoo guests from the largest primate in the world.
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Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels – Los Angeles
Sometimes, buildings are more than just functional places where people seek shelter or gather for events. When everything comes together just right, they serve as places of community and worship, sacred spaces where the spiritual journey is brought to life. The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels is one of LA’s most innovative buildings, able to inspire visitors with its warm, inviting interior perfect for introspection. Outside, blunt, asymmetrical walls stretch the definition of a cathedral, challenging visitors to rethink their ideas about sacred buildings.
If the beauty of the cathedral compels you to learn more about the art, history and significance of this LA landmark, free guided tours are available Monday–Friday.
History
LA’s newest cathedral, and one of the largest in the world, the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels became a necessity in 1996 when the City of Los Angeles condemned St. Vibiana Cathedral, which had served as the seat of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles since 1876. The Northridge earthquake in 1994 had compromised the structural integrity of St. Vibiana, and the need for a new cathedral became a top priority for civic and church leaders.
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