Every year, the world watches as Hollywood’s biggest stars walk the red carpet at the Dolby Theatre. This is where the Academy Awards happen, where Best Picture winners are announced, and where entertainment history is made on live television.
The Dolby Theatre in Hollywood also hosts major performances and events throughout the year. If you’re planning to visit, this guide covers everything you need to know. You’ll learn about tours, tickets, what you’ll see inside, the best times to visit, and how to make the most of your stop at this iconic venue.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or showing friends around LA, here’s what to expect at the home of the Oscars.
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What is the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood?
The Dolby Theatre sits in the heart of Hollywood, part of the Hollywood & Highland complex on Hollywood Boulevard. It’s right next to TCL Chinese Theatre and directly on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The theater opened in 2001 as the Kodak Theatre and was renamed the Dolby Theatre in 2012.
The venue holds 3,400 seats and features state-of-the-art technology that makes it perfect for live broadcasts and award shows. Since 2002, the Dolby Theatre has been the permanent home of the Academy Awards. The Oscars broadcast from here every year, with millions watching the ceremony on television.
Beyond the Academy Awards, the theater hosts concerts, premieres, and other major entertainment events throughout the year. The Dolby Theatre is open for tours when events aren’t scheduled. You can walk the same halls Oscar winners walk, see the auditorium from inside, and get a behind-the-scenes look at where entertainment’s biggest night happens.
Famous Events and Award Presentations at Dolby Theatre
Home of the Oscars (Academy Awards)
The Academy Awards have called the Dolby Theatre home since 2002. Every year, Hollywood’s biggest night unfolds here as the Oscars celebrate the best in film. The red carpet stretches along Hollywood Boulevard, where celebrities arrive in front of cameras from around the world.
This is where Best Picture winners are announced and Oscar history is made. Memorable moments like surprise wins, emotional speeches, and show-stopping performances have all happened on this stage. The broadcast reaches millions of viewers globally, making it one of the most-watched events on television.
The Oscars typically take place in late February or early March. If you visit during awards season, you might see preparations underway or catch the energy building around Hollywood Boulevard. Even outside of Oscar season, the theater’s connection to the Academy Awards makes it a must-see for movie fans.
Other Major Events and Performances
Beyond the Oscars, the Dolby Theatre has hosted major entertainment events throughout the year. The venue has been home to the American Idol finals, where winners are crowned in front of a live audience. America’s Got Talent has also held performances and finals at the theater, taking advantage of the world-class stage and sound system.
The theater hosts premieres, concerts, comedy shows, and special events. Major touring artists, Broadway shows, and exclusive Hollywood events all take advantage of this premier venue. The theater’s acoustics and technology make it a top choice for live entertainment that demands the best production quality.
If you’re visiting Los Angeles in 2026, check out our complete guide to major LA events in 2026 to plan your trip around the biggest happenings in the city.
For the Dolby Theatre’s complete 2026 event schedule and ticket information, visit dolbytheatre.com.
The World-Famous Dolby Theatre Sound System
The Dolby Theatre features one of the most sophisticated sound systems in any entertainment venue. Dolby Laboratories designed the theater with cutting-edge audio technology, including Dolby Atmos, which creates immersive sound that moves around you in three dimensions. The technology was prominently featured when the theater was renamed the Dolby Theatre in 2012.
The acoustics matter for live award presentations and performances. Every word spoken on stage reaches the audience clearly, whether you’re in orchestra seating or the upper balcony. The sound quality is why the Academy Awards and major entertainment events choose this venue for live broadcasts.
When you visit on a tour, you’ll experience the theater’s exceptional acoustics firsthand. It’s one of the things that makes the Dolby Theatre stand out from other venues in Hollywood.
Planning Your Visit to Dolby Theatre
Location and Getting There
The Dolby Theatre is located at 6801 Hollywood Boulevard in the heart of Hollywood. It sits at the intersection of Hollywood Boulevard and Highland Avenue inside the Ovation Hollywood entertainment complex. You’ll find it right next to TCL Chinese Theatre with the Hollywood Walk of Fame running directly in front.
Parking is available in the Ovation Hollywood garage with entrances on Hollywood Boulevard and Highland Avenue. The garage offers validation for visitors attending events or taking tours. Rates vary depending on how long you stay, so check current pricing before you park.
Public transportation is convenient if you prefer not to drive. The Metro B Line (Red) stops at Hollywood/Highland station, which brings you directly to the complex. From there, it’s a short walk to the theater entrance. Rideshare drop-off is easy along Hollywood Boulevard.
Dolby Theatre Tours
The Dolby Theatre offers guided tours that take you inside the venue when events aren’t scheduled. Tours run daily, though times vary based on rehearsals and event preparations. You’ll walk the same path Oscar winners take from Hollywood Boulevard to the stage.
The tour lasts approximately 30 minutes. Your guide shares stories about Oscar history, famous moments, and behind-the-scenes details about the theater. You’ll see the auditorium from inside, stand on the stage, and learn about the technology that makes this venue special.
Tickets must be purchased in advance through the official Dolby Theatre website. Prices are reasonable for what you get to see and experience. Tours can sell out, especially during peak tourist season, so book ahead when you know your travel dates.
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Best Times to Visit
Visit outside of awards season if you want guaranteed tour access. The theater closes for tours in late January through early March when Oscar preparations and rehearsals take over the venue. Check the event calendar before you plan your visit to avoid closures.
Weekday mornings tend to be less crowded than weekends. You’ll have more space to take photos and ask questions when fewer people are on your tour. Summer and holiday periods bring the biggest crowds to Hollywood Boulevard.
If you visit during awards season, you might see red carpet setup or Oscar preparations underway. You won’t be able to tour inside, but the energy around the theater is exciting. Street closures and crowds increase significantly during Oscar week.
Pro tip: Walking the Hollywood Boulevard area around the Dolby Theatre and seeing the exterior is one of the best free things to do in Los Angeles!
What to Know Before You Go
Photography is allowed during tours in most areas of the theater. Your guide will tell you when and where you can take photos. The view from the stage looking out at the empty auditorium makes for a great shot.
Security screening is required before entering. Don’t bring large bags, backpacks, or prohibited items. The theater follows the same security protocols used during major events. Allow extra time for screening before your scheduled tour.
The theater is accessible for guests with mobility needs. Elevators provide access to different levels, and the tour can be modified if you have specific requirements. Contact the box office in advance if you need accommodations or have questions about accessibility.
What You’ll See at Dolby Theatre
The Grand Staircase
The grand staircase welcomes you as you enter from Hollywood Boulevard. This is where Oscar winners ascend to the stage on ceremony night, and you’ll walk the same steps during your tour. The staircase leads through elegant corridors lined with columns displaying the names of past Academy Award winners.
The Auditorium and Stage
The auditorium is the highlight of any visit. You’ll stand on the stage where acceptance speeches happen and look out at 3,400 empty seats. This is where Best Picture winners accept their Oscars. The view shows you exactly what the audience sees during live broadcasts of the annual Academy Awards.
Oscar Displays and Exhibits
The theater showcases Oscar statuettes and displays celebrating film history. You’ll see exhibits honoring past winners and memorable Oscar moments. Some displays change throughout the year, so repeat visitors might see something new.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dolby Theatre
Can you go inside the Dolby Theatre?
Yes, you can go inside through guided tours when events aren’t scheduled. Tours run daily except during Oscar season and when the theater hosts other events. You’ll need to purchase tickets in advance through the official Dolby Theatre website.
How long is the Dolby Theatre tour?
The tour lasts approximately 30 minutes. Your guide takes you through the theater, onto the stage, and shares stories about Oscar history. It’s a quick but comprehensive look at the venue.
Where do celebrities walk at the Oscars?
The red carpet is set up along Hollywood Boulevard during the Academy Awards ceremony. Celebrities arrive at 6801 Hollywood Boulevard, walk the red carpet, and enter through the main entrance. The path takes them from Hollywood Boulevard to the stage inside.
What is Dolby Theatre famous for?
The Dolby Theatre is famous as the permanent home of the Academy Awards since 2002. It’s where the Oscars happen every year. The theater is also known for its world-class Dolby Atmos sound system and prime location in the heart of Hollywood.
How close is Dolby Theatre to other Hollywood attractions?
The Dolby Theatre sits directly on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at Hollywood Boulevard and Highland Avenue. TCL Chinese Theatre is right next door. You can visit both theaters, see celebrity handprints, and walk the Walk of Fame all in the same trip.
Can you take pictures at Dolby Theatre?
Yes, photography is allowed during tours in most areas. Your guide will let you know where you can and can’t take photos. The view from the stage is a popular photo opportunity.
Is Dolby Theatre the same as Kodak Theatre?
Yes, it’s the same building. The theatre opened in 2001 as the Kodak Theatre. When Eastman Kodak filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, the venue was renamed the Dolby Theatre in 2012 after Dolby Laboratories signed a 20-year naming rights deal.
Visit Dolby Theatre with Hollywood Bus Tours
The Dolby Theatre stands as one of Hollywood’s most iconic landmarks. Whether you take a guided tour or simply stop by to see the exterior and red carpet area, the Dolby Theatre deserves a spot on your Hollywood itinerary.
The easiest way to see the Dolby Theatre along with celebrity homes, Beverly Hills, Rodeo Drive, and the Hollywood Sign is on our guided tour!
You’ll skip the parking hassle, learn insider stories from local guides, and see the best of LA without the stress of navigating traffic and crowds on your own.
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