Full Breakdown
Los Angeles’ Iconic Cinerama Dome Set to Reopen in 2028
8/16/2026, 9:24:01 PM
Core Event: Sony Secures Deal to Revive Historic Dome
Sony Pictures announced in July that it has reached a new agreement with the Decurion Corporation to reopen the Cinerama Dome, a 956-seat single-screen theater built in 1963 and designated a historic cultural monument in 1998. Alamo Drafthouse—acquired by Sony in 2024—will operate the venue, preserving its architecture and traditional concession model while surrounding screens become dine-in theaters. The reopening is scheduled for 2028.
Background & Context
The dome closed in 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic forced cinemas nationwide to shutter. Its geodesic design and original three-projector Cinerama format made it a cultural landmark cherished by Angelenos.
Timeline
- 1963 – Constructed on Sunset Boulevard.
- 1998 – Designated a historic cultural monument.
- 2020 – Closed amid the pandemic.
- 2024 – Sony purchases Alamo Drafthouse.
- July 2026 – Sony announces the revival agreement (statement made on July 22).
- 2028 – Planned reopening.
Data & Statistics
- Seating capacity: 956 seats.
- Summer 2026 U.S. box office reached $4 billion.
- Fandango study: 87 % of Gen Z and 82 % of Millennials attended a theater in the past year.
- Independent film *Obsession* (budget $750,000) grossed $263 million worldwide.
Official Statements & Responses
Sony’s chief executive Tom Rothman emphasized the venue’s cultural significance, noting that no other theater “stands more for” the soul of moviegoing. Sony plans to retain the dome’s historic feel, keep its name, and operate it through Alamo Drafthouse, which will provide traditional concessions. The LA Conservancy described the dome as an irreplaceable piece of architectural heritage.
Criticism & Opposition
Benjamin Steinberg, a 26-year-old filmmaker and activist, criticized the prolonged abandonment and the owners’ lack of communication. He organized a petition that quickly amassed tens of thousands of signatures and staged rallies, including a viral projection on the dome’s side in April, which prompted a police response. Steinberg’s efforts underscored community frustration with the Decurion Corporation’s handling of the property.
Why It Matters
The dome’s revival signals a broader resurgence in theatrical attendance after the pandemic’s “most serious gut punch” to the industry. Restoring a landmark venue may encourage further preservation of historic theaters and bolster confidence among independent filmmakers, who see success stories like *Obsession* challenging the notion that only high-budget productions can thrive. The industry still faces reduced local production activity and financial pressures on independent creators.
What’s Next
- 2028 – Cinerama Dome reopens under Alamo Drafthouse management.
- Sony will maintain the curved screen for traditional film presentations.
- Additional historic Los Angeles theaters, such as the Westwood Village theater (reopening 2027) and the Bruin theater (expected autumn), are also slated for revival.
Verbatim Quotes
- “There’s nothing else like it in the world,” — Adrian Scott Fine, president and CEO of the LA Conservancy
- “I think it’s one of the most important movie theaters in the world, and to have it sitting abandoned for over literally five years and zero contact from the owners was extremely frustrating,” — Benjamin Steinberg, filmmaker and activist
- “Hot damn! We’re bringing the Dome back, baby,” — Tom Rothman, CEO of Sony Pictures, in a statement on 22 July
- “This is a town that’s very passionate about their favorite movie theaters and root for them like baseball teams, and they’re happy to see an old favorite come back,” — Amy Nicholson, film critic, Los Angeles Times
