Hollywood and Highland Center

Hollywood and Highland Center is a major retail, entertainment, and dining complex located at the intersection of Hollywood Boulevard and Highland Avenue in the Hollywood district of Los Angeles, California. Opened in 2001, it serves as a central hub for tourism and is best known as the permanent home of the Academy Awards ceremony. The center was designed to revitalize the historic Hollywood Walk of Fame area and integrates directly with the Hollywood–Highland Metro station.

History

The site's history is deeply intertwined with the development of Hollywood itself, located near historic landmarks like Grauman's Chinese Theatre and the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. Prior to development, the area was occupied by a collection of older commercial buildings. The project was conceived in the late 1990s by developer TrizecHahn as a cornerstone for the redevelopment of Hollywood Boulevard, with significant support from the Community Redevelopment Agency of the City of Los Angeles. Its November 2001 opening was a pivotal moment, aiming to draw visitors back to the heart of the entertainment industry following decades of urban decline. The complex was later acquired by CIM Group and, as of 2023, is owned by GPG.

Architecture and design

Designed by the architectural firm RTKL Associates, the center employs a grandiose, theme-park-like aesthetic intended to evoke the spectacle of Classical Hollywood cinema. Its most famous architectural feature is the monumental Babylon-inspired gateway and courtyard, which incorporates colossal elephant statues and a recreation of the D. W. Griffith film Intolerance set. The design deliberately frames views of the iconic Hollywood Sign on the Hollywood Hills. The structure seamlessly incorporates the Dolby Theatre, and its multi-level layout facilitates pedestrian flow from the Hollywood Walk of Fame to various attractions and the adjacent Ovation Hollywood retail complex.

Attractions and tenants

The center's primary anchor is the Dolby Theatre, home to the Academy Awards, Primetime Emmy Awards, and other major televised events like the American Idol finale. Other key entertainment tenants have included the Madame Tussauds Hollywood wax museum and the former Maya Cinemas. Dining and retail options have featured a mix of national chains and unique venues, such as the Hard Rock Cafe, California Pizza Kitchen, and the flagship store for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. The complex also provides direct access to the TCL Chinese Theatre and serves as a major stop for Starline Tours and other Los Angeles tour operators.

Events and cultural significance

Beyond hosting the Oscars, the center is a perennial site for major Hollywood events including film premieres at the TCL Chinese Theatre, the AFI Fest presented by the American Film Institute, and launch parties for studios like Warner Bros. and Universal Pictures. It is a central gathering point for public celebrations like New Year's Eve and the Hollywood Christmas Parade. Its courtyard and steps are frequently used for live television broadcasts by networks such as ABC, E!, and Entertainment Tonight, solidifying its role as a functional and symbolic heart of the global entertainment industry and a must-visit destination on the Hollywood tourism trail.

Redevelopment and future plans

In recent years, the property has undergone significant rebranding and renovation efforts to adapt to changing retail trends and enhance the visitor experience. In 2021, the center was officially renamed Ovation Hollywood, with major portions undergoing redevelopment by owner GPG and manager DJM Capital Partners. Plans have focused on adding more experiential attractions, upscale dining, and office space, while reducing traditional retail footprint. These changes aim to better integrate the property with the ongoing urban transformation of the Hollywood Boulevard corridor and solidify its economic viability alongside neighboring developments like the Hollywood Roosevelt and the W Hollywood Hotel.

Category:Shopping malls in Los Angeles Category:Buildings and structures in Hollywood, Los Angeles Category:Tourist attractions in Los Angeles