Press Releases

Culver City, CA – July 22, 2026 – Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) and wholly-owned subsidiary Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, today announced plans to reopen and restore the iconic Cinerama Dome, a Los Angeles Historic Cultural Monument located in the heart of Hollywood, following a 6-year shutdown that began during the COVID pandemic. The deal reinforces SPE’s long-held commitment to theatrical exhibition and expands its investment in distinctive entertainment experiences.

The Dome will undergo restorative renovations starting next month through early 2028 and be operated by Alamo Drafthouse Cinema. Its historic legacy and singular moviegoing experience will be honored and carefully preserved, with the iconic “Cinerama” name and exterior branding left intact. The restoration will honor the landmark’s distinctive aesthetic character, immersive large-format curved-screen presentation, and traditional concession experience that have made it a beloved destination for generations. While the Dome will not operate as a dine-in theater, its traditional programming will be complemented by Alamo Drafthouse’s signature programming including repertory screenings, filmmaker series, premieres, and special events.

Since 1963, the Dome has been celebrated as one of the world's premier venues for 70mm exhibition, hosting era-defining premieres and unforgettable cinematic events. Its approximately 86-foot-wide, deeply curved screen was engineered to immerse audiences in an extraordinary panoramic viewing experience. The theater helped pioneer a new era of large-format cinematic presentation and remains one of the most distinctive moviegoing environments ever created.

As part of the deal, SPE will also reopen the adjacent 14-screen theater complex, formerly ArcLight Cinemas, as an Alamo Drafthouse Cinema. The theater will offer Alamo Drafthouse premium presentations and dine-in services, curated programming, repertory screenings, events, designated karaoke rooms, and fan celebrations. The complex will retain 35mm capabilities to showcase archival film prints and house several premium format screens with immersive audio and 4K laser projection, including 70mm capabilities.

"There is no moviegoing destination anywhere in the world that commands the affection, history, and cultural significance of the Cinerama Dome. It represents the kind of singular experience we value and champion,” said Ravi Ahuja, Chairman and CEO, Sony Pictures Entertainment. “This is a meaningful moment for our company, our industry, and Los Angeles. We look forward to honoring and extending the Dome’s extraordinary legacy."

"Hot damn! We're bringing the Dome back, baby. We believe in moviegoing down to our soul, and no venue on earth stands more for that than the one-of-a-kind Dome. I am deeply proud that Sony is investing in Hollywood, literally,” said Tom Rothman, Chairman and CEO, SPE Motion Picture Group. "The Dome has hosted generations of unforgettable movie moments. Our goal is to preserve its legendary history while ensuring it remains vibrant now and far into the future.”

In 2015, Alamo Drafthouse restored and resurrected San Francisco’s historic New Mission Theater – now called the Christopher Nolan Cinema – transforming a 20 year long-vacant landmark into one of the city’s premier destinations for film. Alamo Drafthouse’s restoration of that theater preserved the famous Art Deco façade and historic architectural details, including that of the original grand auditorium.

“For 30 years we have championed the kind of theatrical experience that turns a screening into an event, and created spaces where people come together to celebrate cinema. As our new West Coast flagship, we will offer extraordinary programming and events, while returning to Los Angeles one of its most beloved and culturally significant moviegoing destinations,” said Michael Kustermann, CEO of Alamo Drafthouse and Head of Sony Pictures Experiences. 

The deal builds on SPE’s 2024 purchase of Alamo Drafthouse Cinema and recent investment in Cosm, strengthening the studio’s experiences strategy to deepen fan engagement and connection to IP.