Where Dolby Theatre is in Hollywood
Dolby Theatre is at 6801 Hollywood Boulevard, on Level One of Ovation Hollywood. From Lexen Hotel - Hollywood Walk of Fame-Universal Studios, it’s an eight-minute walk. The Hollywood/Highland Metro Rail station is directly outside Ovation Hollywood, near the theatre and the Walk of Fame.
If you’re arriving by Metro, take the escalators from Hollywood/Highland Station and walk west on Hollywood Boulevard to the Dolby Theatre arch. The theatre’s entrance is a portal designed by Rockwell, making it a distinct point to look for along the boulevard.
The theatre’s role and notable events
Dolby Theatre opened in 2001, designed with the Academy Awards broadcast in mind. That year, the ceremony returned to Hollywood at the then-named Kodak Theatre, a 3,300-seat venue. The theatre has hosted the annual Academy Awards ceremony since its opening.
The Academy Awards are one part of the venue’s programme. Its event list also includes the iHeart Music Awards, America’s Got Talent, ESPY Awards, American Idol finals, AFI Lifetime Achievement ceremonies, concerts, Broadway productions and film premieres.
Inside the theatre, the sound system includes 215 individually powered loudspeakers and Dolby Atmos sound playback. The Awards Walk displays backlit glass plaques for Best Picture Oscar winners.
Tours, performances and ticket checks
Dolby Theatre offers guided public walking tours, though availability depends on the performance and production schedule. Tour dates may appear only about a month in advance, so check the official site before you go. The theatre’s event calendar also has listings with options for more information and ticket purchases.
The 30-minute tour includes several flights of stairs. Highlights include an Oscar statuette, the Dolby Lounge, images from past ceremonies and the Governors Ball, and Winners Walk. Arrive 10 minutes before your scheduled tour.
Tour tickets are listed at $25 for adults, $19 for seniors aged 65 and older, and $19 for youth aged 17 and under. Children under 3 enter free.
A four-person family pack—two adults and two youth—is $80. Groups of 15 or more can ask about special group values by reservation. Tour tickets are available online or at the box office.
Guests under 12 must come with a parent or guardian. Strollers must be checked, and public restrooms inside the theatre aren’t available during the tour. Disabled guests can be accommodated; advise the theatre when purchasing tickets.
For public events, tickets are available through the theatre’s website, Ticketmaster or in person at the box office. The venue cautions against buying from unauthorized third-party brokers. The box office is on Level One of Ovation Hollywood, at the theatre’s address. It doesn’t take ticket orders by phone and closes on major holidays.
For performances, the theatre advises arriving at least 30 minutes before showtime. Its policies say the venue typically opens to the public one hour before a performance and recommend arriving at least 45 minutes early.
Wheelchair accommodations are available, as are assisted-listening devices on a first-come, first-served basis. Sign-interpreted or audio-described performances may be arranged by calling the box office at least two weeks before a performance.
Transport and nearby sights
Ovation Hollywood’s underground garage has entrances from Highland Avenue on Johnny Grant Way, and from Orange Drive between Hollywood Boulevard and Franklin Avenue. Dolby Theatre and the Ray Dolby Ballroom don’t validate parking. Rates and conditions can change, so check the official site before you go.
Once you’re on Hollywood Boulevard, you can combine a theatre visit with a walk along the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Nearby options listed by Ovation Hollywood include TCL Chinese Theatre, shopping and dining. Madame Tussauds is another nearby attraction; see this guide to Madame Tussauds Hollywood for visit details.