Sony Pictures to Reopen Historic Cinerama Dome by 2028

Sony Pictures Entertainment and its subsidiary, Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, have signed a long-term lease to restore and reopen the historic Cinerama Dome and the adjacent 14-screen former ArcLight Cinemas complex in Hollywood. The venues have been shuttered since 2020 and 2021 following the COVID-19 pandemic and the Chapter 7 bankruptcy of the former operator, Pacific Theatres.

Renovations are scheduled to begin in August 2026 and are expected to conclude by early 2028. The project will preserve the Cinerama Dome's iconic geodesic exterior and its 86-foot-wide curved screen, maintaining 70mm projection capabilities. While the Dome will not offer in-theater dining, the neighboring multiplex will feature 4K laser projection, 70mm capabilities, and full dine-in services with karaoke rooms.

Alamo Drafthouse will operate the complex, designating the Cinerama Dome as its new West Coast flagship. The deal follows a period of negotiations with the property owners, including the Robertson Property Group and Decurion Corp, after other industry giants such as Amazon MGM and AMC reportedly passed on the opportunity. Due to bankruptcy proceedings, the operator will not use the ArcLight name for the multiplex.