Dolby Theatre tours take visitors behind the scenes of the Hollywood venue that hosts the Academy Awards.
This guide was updated in July 2026. Because the Dolby Theatre is a working performance venue, its tour schedule is only released about a month in advance, a detail many older guides don’t mention. Tours also pause completely during the Academy Awards and other private events. You can book your ticket in advance through Viator to plan your visit.
Quick facts about Dolby Theatre tours
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 6801 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, California 90028 |
| Tour times | Roughly every 30 minutes; box office opens 10 a.m. daily |
| Adult ticket | $25 |
| Senior / Youth ticket | $19 |
| Nearest transit | Metro B Line to Hollywood/Highland Station |
| Typical visit duration | About 30 minutes |
Why book Dolby Theatre tickets?
- 🏛️ Home of the Academy Awards: Step onto the very stage where the Oscars are held.
- 🎟️ See a real Oscar statuette: Get up close to a genuine Academy Award and the exclusive Dolby Lounge.
- 🌿 Beyond the red carpet: Visit celebrity hot spots most visitors never get to see.
- 📜 European opera house design: Explore state-of-the-art technical spaces built for major broadcasts.
- 💰 Family 4 Pack available: Two adults and two youths can visit together for $80.
Dolby Theatre tours opening hours
Tours run roughly every 30 minutes throughout the day, with the box office opening daily at 10 a.m. Because the venue hosts a busy performance schedule, the tour calendar is only confirmed about a month ahead. Tours are paused entirely during the Academy Awards and other private events, so it’s worth checking the schedule close to your visit date.
5 Los Angeles experiences worth booking
- 🎬 See how the movie magic works on the Warner Bros Studio tour.
- 🎢 Take on the rides and enjoy the shows at Universal Studios Hollywood.
- 🚌 Ogle celebrity homes in Hollywood and Beverly Hills from an open air bus.
- 🥾 Hike up to the Hollywood Sign, guided by comedians and their dogs.
- 🚲 Pedal along the coast on a Santa Monica and Venice guided e-bike tour.
Dolby Theatre tours ticket prices
| Ticket type | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult | $25 |
| Senior (65+) | $19 |
| Youth (17 & under) | $19 |
| Children under 3 | Free |
| Family 4 Pack (2 Adult & 2 Youth) | $80 |
Groups of 15 or more can access special group rates by contacting the theatre directly. Book in advance through Viator to guarantee your spot before the schedule fills.
How to get to the Dolby Theatre
By car from any direction, take US-101 and exit at Highland Avenue, then follow the street towards the Ovation Hollywood complex. The parking structure is beside the Loews Hollywood Hotel. By train, take the Metro B Line to Hollywood/Highland Station, then take the escalators up and walk west on Hollywood Boulevard to the theatre’s arch entrance.
Parking at the Dolby Theatre
Self-parking is available in the Ovation Hollywood structure on Highland Avenue, with entrances from both Highland Avenue and Orange Drive. Rates run $6 per hour, with a $20 daily maximum. Dolby Theatre itself doesn’t validate parking, though some neighbouring restaurants, retailers and cinemas do.
How long to spend on the Dolby Theatre tour
The guided tour itself takes about 30 minutes, covering several flights of stairs. Many visitors combine it with time exploring Hollywood Boulevard’s other attractions before or after.
Dolby Theatre tours accessibility
Disabled guests can be accommodated on tours, though it’s best to let the theatre know at the time of ticket purchase. Courtesy wheelchairs are available free of charge at the Level 2 coat check, and accessible bathrooms are available on all seating levels. Accessible parking is located directly below the theatre, with access from Highland Avenue or Orange Drive. Sign language interpreters can be arranged with at least two weeks’ notice, and service animals are welcome throughout the venue.
What to see on the Dolby Theatre tour
The Main Auditorium. Step inside the 3,400-seat theatre and, schedule permitting, stand on the very stage where the Academy Awards ceremony takes place each year.
An Oscar statuette. See a genuine Academy Award up close, one of the tour’s most popular photo opportunities.
The Dolby Lounge. This exclusive VIP room is normally reserved for nominees and top guests during awards season.
The grand staircase. Art Deco columns lining the staircase pay tribute to past winners of the Academy Award for Best Picture.
Behind-the-scenes production spaces. Get a glimpse of the areas used for major broadcasts, including America’s Got Talent and the Daytime Emmy Awards.
Practical visitor tips for Dolby Theatre Tours
| Tip | Detail |
|---|---|
| Arrive 10 minutes early | Tickets must be collected before your scheduled tour time. |
| Use the restroom beforehand | There are no public restrooms inside the theatre once the tour begins. |
| Wear comfortable shoes | The 30-minute tour covers several flights of stairs. |
| Check the schedule close to your visit | Tour times are only published around a month in advance. |
| Book tickets in advance | Advance booking is recommended, since tours can sell out or pause for events. |
Dolby Theatre tours FAQ
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| How long does the tour take? | About 30 minutes, covering several flights of stairs. |
| Can children join the tour? | Yes, though children under 12 need a parent or guardian, and strollers must be checked. |
| Will I get to walk on stage? | It’s possible, if there’s no performance or rehearsal scheduled that day. |
| Does the theatre validate parking? | No, though some nearby restaurants, retailers and cinemas do. |
| Are tours available year-round? | Mostly, but they pause during the Academy Awards and other private events. |
Things to do near the Dolby Theatre
The TCL Chinese Theatre is a short walk away, famous for its forecourt of celebrity hand and footprints.
The Hollywood Walk of Fame runs right past the theatre, with thousands of stars honouring entertainment legends.
Ovation Hollywood offers a short walk to shopping, dining and views over the Hollywood Sign.
El Capitan Theatre is a short walk away, a restored 1926 movie palace known for its ornate interior.
Madame Tussauds Hollywood gives visitors a short walk to a wax museum of film and music stars.
What to visit tomorrow
The Walt Disney Concert Hall in downtown Los Angeles is about 25 minutes away, offering free self-guided tours of Frank Gehry’s landmark building most days.
The Music Center’s docent-led tour, also in downtown LA, is a 90-minute guided walk through four historic theatres, including the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion and Ahmanson Theatre.
More Los Angeles travel
Other Los Angeles travel guides on Planet Whitley include:
- Plan your visit to the Hollywood Museum.
- What you need to know before doing the Warner Bros Studio Tour Hollywood.
- Plan your visit to the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach.
- How to visit the USS Battleship Iowa and the Los Angeles Maritime Museum at the Port of Los Angeles.
- Planning a visit to the Grammy Museum and Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles.
