The Dolby Theatre Guided Tour, Close Up
In short: the Dolby Theatre Admission Ticket and Guided Tour is a 30-minute guided walking tour in English inside the home of the Academy Awards, part of Ovation Hollywood at 6801 Hollywood Blvd. According to the listing it takes in the Dolby Lounge and an Oscar statuette. The listing marks it as wheelchair accessible and also notes that the tour includes several flights of stairs.
What it is
A short guided tour of a working theatre. The Dolby Theatre is the home of the Academy Awards and part of the Ovation Hollywood complex, formerly Hollywood & Highland. It is also a working venue with a busy performance schedule, so, according to dolbytheatre.com, the tour schedule may only be available about one month ahead.
The visit, step by step
- Dolby Theatre box office, Level One of Hollywood & Highland (now Ovation Hollywood): collect tickets 10 minutes before the tour. The lead traveller shows photo ID.
- The guided tour: 30 minutes on foot inside the theatre, in English.
- The Dolby Lounge and an Oscar statuette, both named in the listing.
What it shows of the Walk
The tour itself is indoors. The complex it sits in stands on the Walk, and Muhammad Ali’s star is mounted on a wall at Ovation Hollywood rather than set in the pavement, as the star that cannot be stepped on explains. Discover LA names Ovation Hollywood’s viewing areas as a place to see the Hollywood Sign. The Dolby Theatre page covers the building itself.
Who it suits
Film fans and visitors curious about the Academy Awards who have half an hour on the boulevard. At 30 minutes it fits between a walk along the stars and a visit to the TCL Chinese Theatre forecourt a few doors west.
The listing marks the tour as wheelchair accessible, and its own notes say it includes several flights of stairs and that guests with disabilities can be accommodated when they tell the theatre at purchase. Children under 12 join with a parent or guardian, and a stroller check is available.
What travellers mention
Michelle from the UK was the only person on her tour and found it unhurried. Thomas from France mentions clear, relevant explanations, and Niall from Ireland a guide with a wealth of knowledge.
Arlette from Costa Rica calls it “spectacular”, and Vanessa from Germany recommends it to film fans.
Practicalities
Included
- Admission to the Dolby Theatre
- A 30-minute guided tour in English
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Not allowed on the tour
- Food and drink
- Chewing gum
- Smoking
Tour times: check the calendar in the booking widget. There are no restrooms inside the tour, according to the listing; the listing points to Level 2 of the complex. The Metro B Line station at Hollywood/Highland sits beneath Ovation Hollywood.
Arriving 10 minutes early at the Level One box office is part of the listing’s instructions, with photo ID for the lead traveller.
Two alternatives
No set entry timeMadame Tussauds Hollywood Tickets
On foot, 2 hoursLos Angeles: Hollywood Walk of Fame Walking Tour
Frequently asked questions
Is the Dolby Theatre tour wheelchair accessible?
The listing marks it as wheelchair accessible. Its notes also say the tour includes several flights of stairs and that guests with disabilities can be accommodated if they tell the theatre at purchase. Dolby Theatre and Madame Tussauds sets the two indoor stops side by side.
Where are Dolby Theatre tour tickets collected?
At the Dolby Theatre box office on Level One of Ovation Hollywood (formerly Hollywood & Highland), 10 minutes before the tour, with photo ID for the lead traveller. The Dolby Theatre page covers the building.
Why are some dates missing for the Dolby tour?
The Dolby Theatre is a working venue with a busy performance schedule, and its official site says the tour schedule may only be available about one month ahead. Madame Tussauds Hollywood, a few doors west, has no set entry time per its listing.