Hollywood’s Cinerama Dome is scheduled to reopen in early 2028 after Sony Pictures announced plans to restore the landmark theater. Alamo Drafthouse will operate the venue and the neighboring former ArcLight Hollywood complex, returning one of Los Angeles’ best-known movie destinations to public use.
Key Takeaways
- Sony Pictures will restore the Cinerama Dome in Hollywood.
- Renovation work is scheduled to begin next month.
- Alamo Drafthouse will operate the Cinerama Dome and former ArcLight Hollywood complex.
- The landmark theater is expected to reopen in early 2028.
- The restoration will preserve the Dome’s historic design and curved-screen presentation.
The Cinerama Dome will return to public use in early 2028 after Sony Pictures announced plans to restore the landmark Hollywood theater and place it under the operation of Alamo Drafthouse. The agreement also includes the neighboring former ArcLight Hollywood theater complex, bringing one of Los Angeles’ best-known cinema destinations back into operation after several years of closure.
Sony confirmed that renovation work will begin next month. Once completed, the restored venue will serve as Alamo Drafthouse’s flagship location on the West Coast while preserving many of the architectural and presentation features that have defined the theater for decades.
The announcement marks a significant development for one of Hollywood’s most recognizable movie landmarks, which has remained closed since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sony Announces Cinerama Dome Restoration Plans
Sony Pictures stated that the restoration project will focus on preserving the distinctive identity of the Cinerama Dome while preparing the venue for a planned reopening in early 2028.
According to the company, renovation work will begin next month. The restoration will retain the theater’s curved-screen presentation, architectural design, and traditional concession experience. Sony confirmed that the venue will not introduce Alamo Drafthouse’s signature dine-in theater model inside the Dome.
The company stated that maintaining the building’s defining characteristics is a central part of the restoration project. The theater remains one of the most recognizable movie venues in Los Angeles and holds designation as a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument. Readers interested in independent cinema events can also explore coverage of the New Media Film Festival’s LA screenings.
Sony’s announcement also confirmed that the project represents an investment in restoring an established cinema destination rather than replacing it with a redesigned entertainment venue.
Cinerama Dome Scheduled to Reopen in Early 2028
The reopening is planned for early 2028 following a renovation period expected to begin in August 2026.
The Cinerama Dome has remained closed since 2020, when movie theaters across the country suspended operations during the pandemic. Its future became uncertain after Pacific Theatres, the longtime owner of the property, filed for bankruptcy in 2021.
The bankruptcy resulted in the closure of both Pacific Theatres and its sister company, ArcLight Cinemas, leaving the Hollywood complex vacant despite continued public interest in seeing the landmark return.
During the years that followed, movie enthusiasts and preservation supporters organized petitions and public demonstrations calling for the theater to reopen. The building continued to stand as one of Hollywood’s best-known cinema landmarks while awaiting a new long-term operator. Similar efforts to celebrate independent filmmaking have been featured through the Indie Vegas Film Festival return.
Sony’s announcement establishes a timeline for bringing the theater back into operation and provides clarity regarding future ownership and management of the property.
Alamo Drafthouse Takes Over Theater Operations
Sony confirmed that Alamo Drafthouse will operate both the Cinerama Dome and the neighboring former ArcLight Hollywood theater complex.
Sony acquired Alamo Drafthouse in 2024, making the theater chain part of Sony Pictures Experiences. Under the new arrangement, Alamo Drafthouse will oversee daily operations at the Hollywood location once renovations are complete.
Adjacent 14-Screen Complex Included
The agreement extends beyond the Cinerama Dome itself. Sony also announced that Alamo Drafthouse will manage the adjacent former ArcLight Hollywood property.
The neighboring complex includes 14 auditoriums equipped with both 35mm and 70mm projection capabilities, allowing the location to accommodate a wide variety of film presentations.
Operating both properties together will restore the larger Hollywood cinema campus that previously served as one of Los Angeles’ primary destinations for theatrical film exhibitions.
Traditional Theater Experience to Remain
Sony stated that the Cinerama Dome will continue offering a traditional moviegoing experience.
Unlike many Alamo Drafthouse locations, the Dome will not feature in-seat food and beverage service. Instead, guests will continue using a conventional concession model consistent with the theater’s long-standing identity.
The company said the decision is intended to preserve the venue’s established character while integrating it into Alamo Drafthouse’s theater network.
Restoration Preserves Historic Theater Features
Sony stated that preserving the Cinerama Dome’s defining features is a primary objective of the restoration project.
Curved-Screen Presentation Retained
The restoration will maintain the theater’s immersive curved-screen presentation, one of the building’s most recognizable characteristics.
The Dome originally opened in 1963 and became known for presenting large-format films inside its distinctive geodesic structure. Sony confirmed that the restoration will respect those presentation capabilities while preparing the venue for future audiences.
The company also stated that the traditional concession experience will remain part of the theater after reopening Hollywood Bowl Fourth of July concerts. The announcement follows a busy summer for Los Angeles entertainment venues, including the Hollywood Bowl Fourth of July concerts.
Landmark Status Remains Unchanged
The Cinerama Dome continues to hold recognition as a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument.
That designation places additional importance on preserving the building’s architectural identity during renovation work.
Sony stated that the restoration will honor the landmark’s distinctive appearance rather than substantially altering its visual character.
Maintaining those historic elements formed part of the company’s announcement regarding the planned renovation.
ArcLight Hollywood Complex Joins the New Operating Plan
Sony’s agreement includes the former ArcLight Hollywood theater property located next to the Cinerama Dome.
The neighboring complex contains 14 screens capable of showing films in both 35mm and 70mm formats. Bringing both properties under Alamo Drafthouse management restores the full theater campus that previously operated under the ArcLight brand.
Sony stated that the Hollywood location will become Alamo Drafthouse’s West Coast flagship.
Company executives also confirmed that the venue will host film-related activities and presentations after reopening while continuing to operate as a major theatrical exhibition destination.
The announcement establishes a long-term operating plan for a property that has remained inactive since Pacific Theatres ceased operations.
The reopening schedule provides a defined timeline for the return of one of Hollywood’s best-known movie venues and its neighboring theater complex, ending years of uncertainty surrounding the future of the landmark.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the Cinerama Dome reopen?
Sony Pictures announced that the Cinerama Dome is scheduled to reopen in early 2028 following restoration work that is expected to begin next month.
Who will operate the Cinerama Dome after it reopens?
Alamo Drafthouse will operate the Cinerama Dome as well as the adjacent former ArcLight Hollywood theater complex.
Will the Cinerama Dome offer Alamo Drafthouse’s dine-in service?
No. Sony confirmed that the Cinerama Dome will continue offering a traditional concession experience rather than Alamo Drafthouse’s dine-in theater model.
What changes are planned for the former ArcLight Hollywood complex?
The adjacent theater property will also be operated by Alamo Drafthouse. The complex includes 14 screens equipped with 35mm and 70mm projection capabilities.
Why did the Cinerama Dome close?
The theater closed at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Its future became uncertain after Pacific Theatres filed for bankruptcy in 2021, resulting in the closure of both Pacific Theatres and ArcLight Cinemas.
