Hippodrome Theater
314 S. Main Street,
Los Angeles,
CA
90013
314 S. Main Street,
Los Angeles,
CA
90013
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Additional Info
Previously operated by: Loew's Inc.
Architects: Otto Janssen, Edward Leodore Mayberry Jr., Llewellyn Adelbert Parker
Firms: Mayberry & Parker
Previous Names: Adolphus Theatre
Nearby Theaters
This theater replaced an earlier Panorama Theatre on this site. Built by the Panarama Amusement Company at 316 Main Street, it opened with a display of a gigantic 360 degree painting depicting the “Seige of Paris” by French artist Pheliz Philrotteau. 20,000 feet of canvas was hung on the 16 sided circular structure which was illuminated by skylight windows. It was later used as a roller skating rink, followed by an Equestrian center named The Hippodrome, which ended its days presenting vaudeville with 3,000-seats. This was followed by demolition.
The Adolphus Theatre was opened November 27, 1911, presenting vaudeville. It was taken over by Adolph Ramash after alterations had been made to the plans of architectural firm Mayberry & Parker. Seating was provided for 1,450, all on a single level together with 12 seats in each of the single boxes located at the side of the proscenium. The stage was 50ft deep. It was the largest of the theatres on S. Main Street in the downtown area of Los Angeles. In 1913 a 700-seat balcony was added, with plans provided by architect Otto Janssen and it reopened as the Hippodrome Theater on August 31, 1913 with 10 acts of vaudeville. Movies were soon added to the programme and it eventually became a full-time movie theatre.
After closing, the auditorium was demolished in September & October 1952 and the space used for parking. The front of the building remained for many years, housing the Main Street Gymnasium. It, too, has been demolished.
Contributed by
William Gabel
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Recent comments (view all 181 comments)
I agree-sidestepping all that gets me pooped out.
No, the Barclay is the hotel on the northwest corner of 4th and Main. The Hippodrome was on the other side of Main, about halfway down the block going north. The new condo complex is taking over the Westiminster site and part of the old Hippodrome site. When they were breaking up the concrete for the condos, some old theater tiles were uncovered in the process.
The Barclay was originally the Van Nuys.
Here is a 1983 photo:
http://tinyurl.com/cnn3yj
Here is a 1976 photo:
http://tinyurl.com/lnc2ns
In 1913, the Adolphus Theatre was extensively altered with the addition of a 700-seat, steel and concrete cantilevered balcony. The April 12 issue of Southwest Contractor & Manufacturer said that the project was being designed by architect Otto Jansson, which was probably a misspelling. The 1910 Yearbook of the Los Angeles Architecture Club spells his name Janssen. As he was then treasurer of the club, its spelling was probably right.
I added a 1946 picture in the Photos section of this theatre’s marquee. The general rundown condition of the neighborhood is obvious.
Both grand opening ads posted.
Taken over by Loew’s Inc. in November 1919.
I have edited the listing to remove the Panorama as an aka, since it seems that was replaced by this theater. Obviously the ornamental terra cotta was original, and bore the Adolphus name. If the Panorama showed films, it should be added.