Hollywood Theatre
Renovated Prohibition-era movie house showcasing indie films on a 50-ft. screen & live performances. A true cinematic gem.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Catch special 70mm showings.
Hollywood Theatre
Best Time
Catch special 70mm showings.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Renovated Prohibition-era movie house showcasing indie films on a 50-ft. screen & live performances. A true cinematic gem.
"One of the best theaters I've been to!! The staff were great. The prices for the concessions are way cheaper than a mainstream modern cinema."
🎯 Arrive Early for Seats
Get there 30+ mins early for good seats, especially downstairs! :athletic_shoe:
🚌 Public Transport Recommended
Street parking is tricky; consider transit to avoid tickets. :bus:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
70mm Film Screenings
Main Auditorium
Experience iconic films like 'Interstellar' projected on a massive, curved 70mm screen for unparalleled visual quality.
Historic Architecture
Entire Venue
Step back in time in this beautifully renovated Prohibition-era movie house, a true cinematic dream.
Indie & Classic Films
Auditoriums
Catch unique indie films, cult classics, and special 35mm or 16mm presentations.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Arrive Early for Prime Seats
Embrace Public Transport
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Seats
Get there 30+ mins early for good seats, especially downstairs! :athletic_shoe:
🚌 Public Transport Recommended
Street parking is tricky; consider transit to avoid tickets. :bus:
🍕 Delicious Concessions
Enjoy affordable pizza and popcorn with real butter! :pizza:
💖 Support the Theatre
Consider donating to help preserve this gem. :heart:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Seats
Get there 30+ mins early for good seats, especially downstairs! :athletic_shoe:
🚌 Public Transport Recommended
Street parking is tricky; consider transit to avoid tickets. :bus:
🍕 Delicious Concessions
Enjoy affordable pizza and popcorn with real butter! :pizza:
💖 Support the Theatre
Consider donating to help preserve this gem. :heart:
✨ Unique Film Formats
Experience 35mm and 70mm film for a special viewing. :movie_camera:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Hollywood Theatre's status as a historic landmark and its commitment to showing films in 70mm and 35mm formats. The affordable concessions and unique atmosphere are frequently praised, though some feel the film curation could be more diverse, often repeating popular titles.
"One of the greatest independent movie theaters in Portland. This place is a historical landmark that is worth visiting and preserving for generations. Chill vibes, great movies (35mm & 70mm) and always at a fair price. They serve decent beer and excellent pizza as well. Be a cool human being and donate some extra money to help keep this theater running (if you can)."
Ms. Rodriguez
"This is one of two locations in Oregon regularly projecting 70 mm film on a huge, curved screen. This weekend we enjoyed “interstellar“ on 70 mm. It is one of the films the Theater maintains in its permanent archive and periodically schedules. The only negative statement is that you need to arrive early enough to get good seats. I was surprised that the theater was essentially sold out For this Sunday afternoon matinee. Although tickets were available when it opened for the showing, those of us with advanced tickets were able to skip the line and enter and select our seats immediately. The projection quality is superb and the sound system is impressive, yielding, a thoroughly pleasurable viewer experience. The popcorn was wonderful with real, pure butter on request. The beers were pretty good as well.
A negative is that street parking around the theater is limited for these filmings, and everything has either a two hour or 10 minute limit. I left the car for about three hours for this two hour and 49 minute film, but was not ticketed. I don’t know if they are locally forgiving in the Hollywood neighborhood or if I was just lucky. Taking public transportation might not be a bad idea, depending on your personal situation."
PappaJohn Floyd
"One of the best theaters I’ve been to!! The staff were great. The prices for the concessions are way cheaper than a mainstream modern cinema. I watched Donnie Darko in 35mm, and it was really hard to watch something else after that experience.
I loved everything about this place! Highly recommended to both locals and visitors!"
Hadi
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Hollywood Theatre is accessible via public transportation. Several bus lines stop nearby. Parking can be limited and subject to time restrictions, so taking public transit is often recommended.
Street parking is available but can be challenging with time limits. Some visitors have reported luck with longer stays, but it's advisable to check signage carefully or opt for public transport.
Many visitors suggest using public transportation due to the limited and time-restricted street parking.
Ride-sharing services are a convenient option, offering a direct drop-off near the theatre without the hassle of parking. Check your preferred app for availability.
While not directly on a MAX line, the Hollywood Theatre is a short bus ride or a moderate walk from several MAX stations, making it a feasible option for those using the light rail system.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
It's recommended to arrive at least 30 minutes before showtime, especially for popular films or downstairs showings, to secure good seats. For upstairs seating, 20 minutes might suffice.
Yes, tickets can typically be purchased at the theatre. However, for popular screenings, especially those in 70mm, purchasing in advance is highly recommended as shows can sell out.
Yes, advance ticket sales are available and strongly advised for high-demand screenings to guarantee entry and preferred seating.
Showtimes vary depending on the film and day. It's best to check the official Hollywood Theatre website or their social media for the most up-to-date schedules. Keywords like 'hollywood theatre showtimes' can help find this information.
The Hollywood Theatre often offers competitive pricing, and while specific discounts may vary, their concession prices are generally more affordable than mainstream cinemas. Check their website for any current promotions.
🎫 🎬 Onsite Experience
The Hollywood Theatre specializes in independent films, cult classics, and special repertory screenings, including 35mm and 70mm presentations.
Absolutely! The Hollywood Theatre is renowned for its 70mm projection capabilities on a large, curved screen, offering a superb viewing experience for films like 'Interstellar'.
The theatre offers various seating options, with some reviews noting that sitting in the second row of the upper theater still provides a nice viewing experience. Arriving early helps secure the best spots.
Yes, in addition to films, the Hollywood Theatre also hosts live performances, adding to its diverse programming.
Visitors describe the atmosphere as magical and historic, with a sense of stepping back in time. It's a beloved community space that many feel proud of.
🍽️ 🍕 Food & Dining
The theatre offers decent beer and excellent pizza, along with wonderful popcorn that can be served with real butter upon request. Concession prices are generally cheaper than modern cinemas.
Yes, reviews consistently mention that the prices for concessions are significantly cheaper compared to mainstream modern cinemas.
Yes, you can request real butter for your popcorn, which is a highlight for many visitors.
The theatre serves beer, which is often mentioned as a good accompaniment to the films and pizza.
The Hollywood neighborhood offers various dining options, but many visitors find the theatre's own pizza and snacks to be a convenient and satisfying choice.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary, especially during screenings. It's best to check with staff upon arrival or refrain from flash photography during films to avoid disturbing others. Some areas might be suitable for quick snaps before or after a show.
The historic architecture and vintage decor offer many picturesque opportunities. The lobby and exterior are great for capturing the theatre's charm.
Professional filming or extensive video recording is generally not permitted without prior arrangement. For personal use, focus on capturing the ambiance without disrupting the experience for others.
A camera with good low-light performance is ideal for interior shots. For exterior shots, a standard DSLR or even a good smartphone camera will work well to capture the theatre's facade.
While the projectors are impressive, access to the projection booth is typically restricted. However, you might be able to capture glimpses of the equipment from a distance or during specific tours if available.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider checking their schedule for matinee showings, which are often less crowded and can be more suitable for younger children. The historic atmosphere itself can be an engaging experience for kids, offering a glimpse into a different era of movie-going. Arriving a bit early can help secure comfortable seating for everyone.
💰 Budget Travelers
Opting for public transportation to get there also saves on parking fees. By planning ahead and checking the schedule for less popular showtimes, you can enjoy a high-quality cinematic experience without breaking the bank.
❤️ Couples & Date Nights
Consider booking tickets in advance for popular showings to ensure you get good seats together. The theatre's charm and focus on cinematic art make it a more thoughtful and engaging alternative to a standard movie outing.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Magic of 70mm Projection
This commitment to film formats is part of what makes the Hollywood Theatre a beloved institution for cinephiles. They not only screen contemporary films but also maintain an archive of classics, periodically showing them in their original film formats. This dedication to preserving and showcasing cinematic history is a key reason why visitors travel to experience this unique venue.
For those seeking the ultimate cinematic experience, seeking out a 70mm screening at the Hollywood Theatre is a must. It's a chance to see movies as the filmmakers intended, with a visual and auditory richness that is simply unparalleled.
A Historic Gem: Preserving Cinematic Heritage
This dedication to preservation extends to its programming. While it screens new independent films, it also champions the use of 16mm and 35mm projection, keeping the magic of celluloid alive.
Visitors often express their love for the theatre's atmosphere, describing it as a 'cinematic dream' and a place that Portland should be proud of.
Navigating the Hollywood Experience: Tips from Visitors
Parking is another common point of discussion. While street parking is available, it often comes with time restrictions, leading some visitors to recommend using public transportation to avoid potential tickets.
Finally, many visitors encourage supporting the theatre's mission by considering a donation. This helps ensure that this historic venue can continue to operate and preserve its unique cinematic offerings for years to come.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit