Join Anything But Gray Events and Miki and Sonja Photography as we take you inside the iconic United Theater on Broadway in Los Angeles, California.

Tucked away in the heart of downtown Los Angeles, on 9th and Broadway, where our city’s vibrant pulse hums with energy, stands a hidden gem—an enchanting historical theater that whispers the stories of a bygone era while percolating in the current vibes of our city’s up and coming revival. Stepping through its ornate front doors feels like crossing into another decade, where the golden age of cinema and live performances still lingers in the night air. You have entered The United Theater on Broadway, originally built as The United Artists Theater, and have a unique glimpse into this LA’s Historic Cinematic Gem.

Available for corporate, filming, social, wedding, and industry event rentals, The United Theater on Broadway is a unique backdrop for your next celebration.

 

For private event bookings and venue rentals, please contact:

RICKY HAYES

Private Event Sales Manager

The United Theater on Broadway

M: 310.386.9214

E: Ricky.Hayes@TheUnitedTheater.com

 

The United Theater on Broadway with its lavish decor, intricate details, and old European-world charm, beckons visitors to experience something more than just a show, musical, comedic, or social event—it’s a portal to Hollywood history. Don’t let its nearly 100-year-old bones fool you. These walls are full of life, love, and the soul of a stage light. As the can lights dim and the red velvet curtain rises, you’re not just watching a performance; you’re becoming part of a living legacy, wrapped in the magic of the past.

 

The United Theater on Broadway’s History:

 

Before we venture inside the United Theater on Broadway, we must take you back to where it all started. In 1919, Mary Pickford,  D. W. Griffith, Charlie Chaplin, and Douglas Fairbanks, formed the independent film production company, United Artists. These powerhouse players were all incredibly significant figures in the early days of Hollywood, and their contributions played a key role in shaping the film industry as we know it today. From there, The United Artists Theater (its original name) opened, just one day after Christmas, on December 26, 1927.

The United Artists:

Mary Pickford was one of the most famous actresses of the silent film era and was often referred to as “America’s Sweetheart.” She was one of the first stars to be marketed as a brand, and her popularity transcended national borders, making her a global icon. She was also a philanthropist, a businesswoman, and a trailblazer for women in the entertainment industry. She co-founded the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in 1927 (The same year as The United Artists Theater opened) and was awarded an honorary Oscar in 1976 for her contributions to the film industry.

 

Douglas Fairbanks was one of the most popular leading men of the silent film era, known for his roles in swashbuckling adventure films.  His films, such as The Mark of Zorro (1920) and Robin Hood (1922), established him as a master of action and athleticism, and he became a symbol of masculinity and adventure. Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks married on March 4, 1920. Their wedding was highly publicized and became one of the most famous celebrity unions of the time, often referred to as “the wedding of the century.” Douglas and Mary took their honeymoon to Europe in the early 1920s and Mary fell in love with the architecture especially the cathedral in Segovia, Spain. This inspiration crafted the design of their future theater endeavor.

 

Charlie Chaplin’s collaboration with Pickford, Fairbanks, and Griffith in creating United Artists and its theater was driven by his desire for creative independence. He had already achieved enormous success as a performer and director, and with United Artists, he could maintain control over his creative process and his films’ distribution. He is regarded as one of the most influential filmmakers of all time. His career spanned both the silent and sound film eras, and he won numerous awards, including an honorary Oscar in 1972.

 

David Wark Griffith, known as D.W. Griffith, was a pioneering director and producer and is often regarded as one of the founders of modern cinema. His 1915 film The Birth of a Nation was a landmark in filmmaking due to its technical innovations. Griffith’s involvement in United Artists was part of his effort to regain creative control after his success in the early days of cinema. He had been a director under the major studios but was frustrated by the limits they placed on his work. United Artists allowed him the freedom to make the films he wanted.

 

STILE DTLA Lobby:

 

The connecting hotel, newly named, STILE Downtown Los Angeles, (formally the Ace Hotel) is being referred to as “tech-enabled hospitality.” It contains an intimate Rooftop Pool Lounge, a story boutique Lobby Bar, and a Ballroom/Meeting Space.

STILE Downtown Los Angeles, lobby design combines the original historical elements of Spanish Gothic and Art Deco styles with a fresh, new twist including modern art and creative installations. The space was designed to evoke grandeur and elegance while setting the tone of opulence for the theater next door.

 

Throughout the property, elements of both Spanish Gothic and Art Deco design elements work well together while being unique to themselves. The intricate tilework, ornate arches, and decorative ironwork reflect Spanish Gothic designs. These uses of bold, intricate design motifs create a sense of drama and elegance within the space. In contrast, the theater also incorporates some Art Deco touches, especially seen in the geometric shapes and patterns, as well as the sleek lines and polished finishes in certain areas of the theater and hotel lobbies.

The combination of these opposing, yet complimenting architectural designs reflects the foundation and growth of the city of Los Angeles. The Art Deco architectural style became prominent in the 1920s and 1930s, coinciding with a time when Los Angeles was emerging as a global hub for the entertainment industry. On the other hand, Spanish Gothic elements tie back to Los Angeles’ early history and the cultural legacy of the Spanish colonial era in California. These elements in architecture evoke the rich history and cultural heritage that shaped the city we know and love today.

The Lobby Bar:

The United Theater on Broadway, and by extension its Lobby Bar, became an iconic part of Hollywood’s golden age. Famous actors, filmmakers, and other members of the entertainment industry regularly frequented it, making it a gathering spot for the Hollywood elite.

The Lobby Bar transformed part of the renovation, evolving into a more modern and accessible space, but it still maintained much of its historic charm. Today, it serves as part of the continuing legacy of the café as a social space for hotel guests and the public.

The modernized Lobby Bar is a blend of new and old, yet, it retains the ornate tile work and classic Hollywood charm of the original design, but with updated furnishings and a more contemporary atmosphere. It’s a place where visitors can still experience a bit of the glamour and nostalgia of old Hollywood while enjoying a meal or drink in a more casual setting. In the coming months, a limited-seating Korean-inspired speakeasy is slated to go on the second floor above this space.

 

Rooftop:

Featured wine bar and lounge, Sauced, this hidden rooftop hang-out for late-night music, drinks, and eats showcases 360-degree views of DTLA.

Poolside:

As a guest of STILE Downtown Los Angeles, patrons have access to the rooftop pool. This area can be bought out for private events as well.  STILE Downtown Los Angeles welcomes four-legged guests, too.

Meeting Room Space:

Ideal for intimate wedding ceremonies, social gatherings, industry functions, or meeting room space, the Segovia Hall, provides cascading natural light, exposed beams and cement, and endless possibilities for creativity overlooking Broadway Ave.

Fun Fact

From 1990 until 2010, The United Theater on Broadway was rented out by a church named, The Los Angeles University Cathedral. Because of this, you can find many religious Easter eggs tucked deeply into the space, including the neon “Jesus Saves” sign on the exterior roof and the phrase, “Forever, Oh, Lord, the word is settled in heaven.” as seen on the balcony of the theater lobby. There are a few church pew benches scattered through the balcony level of the theater as well. These historical items were kept intact to preserve the legacy of the Theater’s flamboyant past.

 

Inside The United Theater on Broadway:

The United Theater on Broadway features 1,647 vintage red velvet seats. See it featured in Olivia Rodrigo’s recent concert special HERE.

 

The inner murals are an important part of the theater’s artistic legacy and play a significant role in its historical significance. The United Theater on Broadway was always intended for not only cinema but art as well. The murals not only reflect the creative ambitions of Hollywood’s early filmmakers but also serve as an important piece of the cultural fabric of Los Angeles. Pickford, Fairbanks, Griffith, and Chaplin’s images can be seen as camouflaged characters within the paintings.

 

Spanish Gothic architecture and homage to Segovia, Spain can be seen clearly throughout the main hall with ornate wall carvings and a reflective ceiling containing thousands of small mirrors.

 

 

Fun Fact

The tradition of keeping a stage light on constantly in theaters has a fascinating history and a few practical reasons behind it. This light is often referred to as the “ghost light” and has symbolic, safety, and historical significance in the theater world. Speaking of ghosts, I am sure they have made The United Artists Theater their forever home!

 

Dressing Room Space:

Located in the basement of the theater, there are multiple dressing rooms with adjoining restrooms, plus, Mary Pickford’s private screening room.

 

Theater Lobby:

The Grand Lobby serves as the main ballroom space for events. See it featured HERE as the iconic party dance scene from the recent Brad Pitt and Margot Robbie movie, Babylon.

Fun Fact

Mary Pickford specifically wanted all the mirrored surfaces in The United Artist Theater to be golden to refer to the “Golden Age of Hollywood” and give you a glowing visage as you gazed upon yourself.

 

The Broken Locket Lounge:

Located in a VIP space on the 2^nd floor of the Theater, The Broken Locket Lounge, features a bar, tableside service, and reserved balcony seating for performances. It’s a great space for buyouts and private functions in an intimate, atmospheric space.

 

The United Theater on Broadway stands as a testament to the golden age of cinema, a place where the visions of iconic filmmakers and actors came to life in a space as grand as their artistic ambitions. Whether you’re a film buff, a lover of architecture, or simply curious about Hollywood history, visiting this historic landmark offers a glimpse into the past, while reminding us of the creativity and innovation that shaped the entertainment industry as we know it today.

If you find yourself in Los Angeles, be sure to stop by and witness the stunning Art Deco design, the rich history, and the echoes of those early Hollywood visionaries who helped transform the world of film. Who knows—you might even feel the magic that inspired the birth of United Artists themselves or run into a ghost!

If you liked this historical venue tour, check out our blog about 440 Elm in Long Beach! 

What’s your favorite piece of Hollywood history? Share your thoughts in the comments below, or let us know if you’ve experienced the beauty of the United Theater on Broadway firsthand!