Sony-Owned Alamo Drafthouse to Revive Hollywood’s Iconic Cinerama Dome
The historic 1963 landmark will serve as a West Coast flagship for the theater chain following its 2021 closure.
Sony Pictures Entertainment has announced plans to restore and reopen the historic Cinerama Dome in Hollywood, setting a target date of early 2028 for the return of one of cinema’s most recognizable landmarks. The project will be led by Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, the theater chain Sony acquired earlier this year, which intends to transform the site into its new West Coast flagship.
The restoration involves the 86-foot-wide curved dome theater and the adjacent 14-screen multiplex on Sunset Boulevard. While Alamo Drafthouse is known for its signature in-theater dining and strict no-talking policies, the company confirmed that the Dome itself will not feature seat-side food service to preserve its architectural integrity. However, the neighboring 14-theater complex—formerly operated as part of the ArcLight Cinemas chain—will offer full dining options for patrons.
Originally commissioned in 1963 by Pacific Theatres founder William R. Forman, the Cinerama Dome was designed as a state-of-the-art venue to showcase the three-projector Cinerama process on a massive curved screen. Its geodesic exterior, based on designs by Buckminster Fuller and executed by Welton Becket and Associates, became a permanent fixture of the Los Angeles skyline and was declared a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument in 1998.
“There is no moviegoing destination anywhere in the world that commands the affection, history, and cultural significance of the Cinerama Dome,” said Ravi Ahuja, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures Entertainment. Ahuja noted that the venue represents the high-quality, singular experience that the studio intends to champion through its exhibition arm.
The theater’s technical capabilities remain a major draw for cinephiles. The Dome is one of only three theaters globally equipped to handle specialized three-projector presentations and features a screen optimized for 70mm projection. This large-format film technology has seen a significant resurgence in recent years, driven by filmmakers like Christopher Nolan who advocate for the superior resolution and depth of physical film over digital alternatives.
The Cinerama Dome and the surrounding ArcLight complex have been dark since April 2021, when previous operator Pacific Theatres filed for bankruptcy, citing the devastating economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The closure left a void in the Hollywood film community, as the venue frequently hosted high-profile premieres and film festivals.
Michael O’Leary, President and CEO of the National Association of Theatre Owners, welcomed the news of the revival, stating that the timing aligns with a renewed public interest in premium, large-screen experiences. Alamo Drafthouse CEO Michael Kustermann echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the Dome’s role as a premier destination for film lovers.
Sony’s move to operate the theater marks a significant shift in the industry landscape. Following the 2020 sunsetting of the Paramount Decrees—long-standing antitrust rules that prevented movie studios from owning theater chains—Sony became the first major modern studio to acquire a national cinema circuit. The restoration of the Dome serves as a high-profile statement of the studio’s commitment to the theatrical experience amid the evolving streaming era.
