Skip to main content
The Hollywood Theatre homepage

Press

Contact Us

[email protected]

503-281-1142

4122 North East Sandy Boulevard
Portland, Oregon 97212

Hollywood Theatre Overview

The Hollywood Theatre opened its doors on Saturday, July 17, 1926, with a screening of the silent film MORE PAY, LESS WORK.

A 1,500-seat silent movie palace complete with an 8-piece orchestra and organist, the Hollywood was the last venue in Portland built as both a vaudeville house and a movie theatre. Designed by Bennes & Herzog Architects of Portland, an advertisement at the time called it a “palace of luxury, comfort, and entertainment unsurpassed by any theatre on the Coast.” It proved such a popular destination that Portland’s Hollywood District ultimately took its name from the theatre.

Today, the hollywood is home to over 450 unique events every year.

The Hollywood Theatre has a national reputation for its award-winning film programming, innovative educational programs, and providing fiscal support for local filmmakers. We show classic and contemporary films, host live performances and special guests, and produce innovative film series like Queer Horror, B-Movie Bingo, and Kung Fu Theater. Thanks to ongoing restoration efforts and the support of the community, the Hollywood has been transformed into a modern-historic movie house where visitors can experience the art of film. (And have a beer and a slice of pizza while they’re at it.)

ABOUT OUR NONPROFIT: Film Forever Northwest is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (Tax ID 93-1074861) that owns and operates two of Portland’s most renowned landmarks for film arts: the historic Hollywood Theatre, a movie palace in continuous operation since 1926 and the cultural heart of the Hollywood district; and Movie Madness, an iconic independent video store with one of the largest collections of physical media in the United States.

OUR MISSION: Film Forever Northwest entertains, inspires, educates and connects our community through the art of film, while preserving the historic Hollywood Theatre and the world-class Movie Madness video collection. We offer a diverse array of film programming and initiatives that empower audiences to fully explore and participate in the rich cultural heritage of cinema.

Media Mentions