Dolby Theatre
Hollywood's home of the Academy Awards, a 3,400-seat theatre at Ovation Hollywood hosting concerts, residencies, and award shows right on the Walk of Fame.
About
The Dolby Theatre is Hollywood’s red-carpet room, the permanent home of the Academy Awards, right on the Walk of Fame at Hollywood and Highland. Beyond the Oscars, this 3,400-seat venue hosts concerts, multi-night residencies, comedy, and dance, all in a camera-ready space built for a big night out.
Getting there and planning your night
The single best tip: take the Metro B Line straight to Hollywood/Highland, which drops you right under the theatre and skips the Hollywood Boulevard crawl. If you do drive, the Ovation Hollywood garage is closest, see our cheap LA theatre tickets guide for how to keep the whole night affordable. Making a Hollywood evening of it? The where to eat before a Pantages show guide covers nearby dining that works for any Hollywood show. For the bigger picture, see the best live music venues in LA pillar, check what’s on in LA theatre, and browse all our LA venue guides.
History
Seating & Venue Layout
The Dolby seats about 3,400 across four levels. The main floor (Orchestra and Parterre) holds roughly 1,460, then three Mezzanine levels stack above it: Mezzanine 1 (about 638), Mezzanine 2 (about 529), and Mezzanine 3 (about 773). Because it was designed for awards telecasts, sightlines from the lower two levels are strong, and the room feels more intimate than the seat count suggests. Mezzanine 3 is the high, far balcony, fine for the budget-minded but a real climb from the stage. For a concert, aim for the Orchestra, Parterre, or Mezzanine 1.
Location & Directions
6801 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028
Public Transportation
- Metro B Line (Red) to Hollywood/Highland, directly below the complex.
- Metro buses serve Hollywood Boulevard, Highland, and Sunset.
- Metro Bike Share stations are nearby in Hollywood.
Parking & Transportation
- 🅿️ The Ovation Hollywood garage (LADOT-owned, SP+ operated) is the closest, on Highland Avenue next to the Loews hotel, with entrances on Highland Avenue and Orange Drive. Open 24/7.
- 💰 Rates run about $2 per 20 minutes ($6/hour) with a $20 daily max, and a flat $20 after 10pm on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
- 🎟️ The Dolby itself does not validate, but many Ovation Hollywood shops, restaurants, and the cinema do (often around $3 for 2 to 4 hours), so grab a bite or a coffee and get it stamped.
- 🚇 Honestly, the smartest move is the Metro, the B Line stops directly underneath at Hollywood/Highland, so you skip the garage entirely.
- Metro B Line (Red) to Hollywood/Highland station, which exits right into Ovation Hollywood beneath the theatre.
- Rideshare drop-off works best on a side street like Orange Drive; Hollywood Blvd gets gridlocked after big events.
- Several Metro bus lines run along Hollywood Boulevard and Highland Avenue.
Accessibility Information
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Elevator access
- Assistive listening devices
Visitor Experience
- Food & Beverage Policy: Outside food and drink are not permitted. There are bars and concessions inside, and Ovation Hollywood is packed with restaurants steps from the door.
- Dress Code: No set dress code for most events. People dress up more here than at a typical concert, given the Oscars pedigree, but smart-casual is fine.
- Photography Policy: Photo and recording policies vary by event and are often restricted; check your specific show. Photos around the lobby and complex are fine.
- Family-Friendly: Family-friendly for most concerts and shows; check the specific event for age guidance.
Nearby
Restaurants near Dolby Theatre
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Hotels near Dolby Theatre
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Attractions near Dolby Theatre
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