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Since 2002, the Dolby Theatre has been the home of the Academy Awards — and the official address of Hollywood glamour. This 30-minute guided tour takes you inside the 180,000-square-foot venue, past the photo archives of Oscar® history, into the exclusive Dolby Lounge, and close enough to see an actual Academy Award statuette.

Your English-speaking guide brings the theatre's stories to life — from legendary performances by Prince, Alicia Keys, and Chris Rock to the Academy Awards ceremonies that have unfolded on this stage for more than two decades. Book your Dolby Theatre tour tickets on Thrillark.

Key Highlights

  • 30-minute guided tour of the official home of the Academy Awards®
  • See a real Oscar® statuette — one of the most coveted photo opportunities in Hollywood
  • Visit the exclusive Dolby Lounge — the VIP celebrity hangout area during the Oscars
  • View the stage where the world's biggest annual entertainment event takes place
  • Photo archive gallery featuring past Oscar® winners from Grace Kelly to recent recipients
  • Art Deco columns in the lobby inscribed with all Best Picture winners since 1928
  • Located in the heart of Hollywood — steps from the Walk of Fame and TCL Chinese Theatre
  • Behind-the-scenes stories of concerts, TV productions, and special events at the theatre

About The Dolby Theatre Guided Tour, Home of the Academy Awards

There is no venue in the world quite like the Dolby Theatre. Designed by David Rockwell specifically to host the Academy Awards and opened in 2001, it is a 3,400-seat masterpiece of theatrical engineering — built for maximum TV production value, with one of the largest stages in the United States and a state-of-the-art technical infrastructure that makes it the go-to venue for the world's biggest live productions.

The guided tour takes you through the grandeur of this extraordinary space in 30 focused minutes. You'll visit the Dolby Lounge — the exclusive VIP area that becomes one of Hollywood's most exclusive rooms on Oscar night — and see the photo archive that traces the history of the Academy Awards from its earliest years to the present day. Art Deco columns in the lobby display the names of every Best Picture winner since 1928.

Beyond the Oscars, your guide will tell you about the concert legends who have performed here: Prince, Steven Tyler, Alicia Keys, Chris Rock, and dozens more. The theatre has also hosted America's Got Talent, The ESPY Awards, The Latin American Music Awards, and the American Idol finals. Book your tickets on Thrillark and experience one of Hollywood's most iconic behind-the-scenes experiences.

Inclusions

  • Admission to the Dolby Theatre
  • Guide Tour - English 

Exclusions

  • Food and beverages
  • Hotel transfers and transportation
  • Personal expenses and souvenirs

Insiders' Tips

Arrive at least 15 minutes before your tour time — the box office is located on Level 1 under the staircase next to Hard Rock Café and can be busy with walk-ups. The tour involves several flights of stairs — comfortable shoes are recommended. If you're a film buff, pair this tour with a walk along the Hollywood Walk of Fame and a visit to the TCL Chinese Theatre directly across the boulevard — all three can be covered in a single Hollywood morning.

Additional Information

Tour Hours
  • Multiple tours daily. 
  • Box office opens at 10:00 AM. Hours subject to change. 
  • Closed during Academy Awards ceremonies and other private events.
  • Tour Duration
  • 30 minutes, including several flights of stairs.
 Child Policy
  • Children under the age of 3 enjoy free entry
  • Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by a paying adult 

Important Notes:
  • No food, beverages, or gum permitted during the tour
  • No late admittance — latecomers will be added to the next available tour
  • Guests must remain with the tour group at all times
  • The tour is closed during private events — always check availability before booking
 Accessibility:
  • The tour is wheelchair accessible. 
  • Guests requiring disability accommodations should advise the theatre at the time of ticket purchase.

Cancellation Policy

Non-refundable: All bookings are final once confirmed. Please review your travel dates carefully before completing your purchase.

The Dolby Theatre Guided Tour, Home of the Academy Awards  Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see an actual Academy Award on the tour?
Yes — the guided tour includes close-up viewing of a real Oscar® statuette, one of the most popular photo moments on the tour. You can see your own reflection in the gold plating — a genuinely memorable experience for any film lover.
What is the Dolby Lounge?
The Dolby Lounge is the theatre's exclusive VIP room — the celebrity gathering space during the Academy Awards and other major events. It's not accessible to the public outside of the guided tour and offers a real sense of the glamour that surrounds Hollywood's biggest night.
Is the tour available every day?
The tour runs daily but closes during Academy Awards ceremonies, other private events, and major production periods. Check availability when booking and in your booking confirmation.
How long is the tour?
The tour is 30 minutes. It involves walking through multiple levels and several flights of stairs.

Ratings & Reviews

The Dolby Theatre Guided Tour, Home of the Academy Awards

USD 34

Insiders’ Tips

Arrive at least 15 minutes before your tour time — the box office is located on Level 1 under the staircase next to Hard Rock Café and can be busy with walk-ups. The tour involves several flights of stairs — comfortable shoes are recommended. If you're a film buff, pair this tour with a walk along the Hollywood Walk of Fame and a visit to the TCL Chinese Theatre directly across the boulevard — all three can be covered in a single Hollywood morning.

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