Apple's beautifully restored Tower Theatre in LA is a delight
July 21, 2021
Apple unveiled its newest store at the historic Tower Theatre in downtown Los Angeles.
The Apple Tower Theatre, one of Apple's most significant renovation projects, aims to inspire even more creativity in the heart of the city. Along with the opening of the new Los Angeles store, Apple will also launch Today at Apple Creative Studios, a global initiative that will provide hands-on experiences and mentorship for young creators.
The Apple Tower Theatre is Apple's 26th location in Los Angeles. Nearly 100 talented store employees join the more than 3,000 Apple Store employees across the region. Apple TV+, also based in Los Angeles, collaborates with many of the world's most creative creators and supports thousands of creative jobs across California.
"Los Angeles is brimming with creativity across arts, music, and entertainment. We're thrilled to expand our partnership with this exceptional city," said Deirdre O'Brien, Apple's vice president of Retail. "The Apple Tower Theatre honors the rich history and legacy of this entertainment capital."
A building steeped in history
The historic Tower Theatre, home to Los Angeles's first sound theater, was designed in 1927 by renowned cinema architect S. Charles Lee. This legacy of technological innovation continues today, providing the perfect setting for discovering the full line of Apple products—iPhones, iPads, and Mac computers—each of which has transformed modern filmmaking, photography, and music.
After closing its doors in 1988, the building sat vacant and unused. Apple, working with leading historic preservationists, restoration artists, and the City of Los Angeles, applied the same meticulous care as its previous renovation projects to preserve and restore the theater's beauty and grandeur. Every surface has been meticulously restored, and the building has also received seismic upgrades.
The Apple Tower Theatre is located at the corner of Eighth Street and Broadway, where visitors will immediately recognize the fully restored clock tower, the recreated Broadway marquee, the clean terracotta exterior, and the restored historic blade sign. After passing through the doors on Broadway, guests enter a monumental lobby inspired by Charles Garnier's Paris Opera House, featuring a grand arched staircase with bronze railings flanked by marble Corinthian columns.
At the heart of the store is the Forum and its iconic video wall, nestled beneath a fully restored arch and framed by the theater's original balconies. The Forum will host daily, free sessions led by Apple team members and members of the local creative community, where they can gain inspiration and learn practical skills. The spacious auditorium, framed by ornate arched bay windows and restored bronze, showcases all of customer favorites, including brand-new iMacs, iPad Pros, and Apple TV 4K.
Guests seeking support and service from Apple team members have ample space, as the original seating on the upper level of the theater has been modernized and opened up to create an open, flexible space where you can schedule an appointment at the Genius Bar. Two new elevators have been installed in the cinema, providing all customers with access to every level of the new store.
A global initiative for young, underserved creators launched at Apple Creative Studios in Los Angeles today, as part of an ongoing program offered at Apple Stores worldwide.
In partnership with the nonprofit Music Forward Foundation, as well as the Inner-City Arts and Social Justice Learning Institute, Creative Studios LA will provide access to technology, creative resources, and hands-on experiences, as well as a platform to highlight and amplify the stories of emerging talent, during nine weeks of free programming.
Today at Apple will also feature public sessions in-store at the Tower Theatre and virtual sessions led by Creative Studios faculty and mentors, including photographer and filmmaker Bethany Mollenkof, rapper and producer D Smoke, singer Syd, and cellist and vocalist Kelsey Lu. Noah Humes and his mentor, Maurice Harris, two artists who worked on the mural outside the Tower Theatre and were inspired by the spirit of Creative Studios LA, will also lead a virtual session.
The Apple Tower Theatre will be open from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM Monday through Saturday and from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM on Sundays, with team members ready to provide support and service to all visitors. Those who want to order new products online can connect with Apple specialists, choose financing options, access support services, and choose contactless delivery or Apple Store pickup.
