Sony Entertainment, which began investing in exhibition with the purchase of Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas in 2024, announced plans to restore the Cinerama Dome and reopen it in 2028.

The historic theater went dark during the pandemic and, to the dismay of Angelenos, remained permanently closed after its owners Pacific Theatres, which includes Arclight Cinemas, filed for bankruptcy in 2021.

“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 Sony’s motion picture group chairman and CEO Tom Rothman. “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.”

Until its closure, it was one of the city’s highest-grossing multiplexes and a favorite stop for splashy premieres and events like a special preview screening of Quentin Tarantino’s “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.” Decurion Corporation’s Robertson Property Group maintains ownership of the real estate, and Sony will run the theaters under a lease agreement.

“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.”

Alamo Drafthouse, founded in 1997, currently operates 10-screen cinema in downtown Los Angeles as well as 39 other locations across the country.

The chain, known for its no-talking, no-texting policy, introduced new mobile ordering service to replace the traditional mode of pen-and-paper at the hands of servers, which has garnered criticism from some movie theater purists. Before the circuit was acquired by Sony, Alamo Drafthouse had filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2021 as global theater chains were struggling to survive the prolonged COVID-related closures.

“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,” said Michael Kustermann, CEO of Alamo Drafthouse and Head of Sony Pictures Experiences.

“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.”