Historic Hollywood Photographs

The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel is a Spanish-style hotel located on Hollywood Boulevard. Named after Theodore Roosevelt and financed by a group including Charles Toberman, it first opened its doors on May 15, 1927 at a cost of $2.5 million. The twelve-story building had 300 rooms and suites. Built at the apex of Hollywood’s Golden Age, it joined Grauman's Chinese Theatre which had just opened across the street and highlighted the synergy between the motion picture industry and the community. Designed by the firm of Fisher, Lake, and Traver, the hotel was an instant success. Its major ballroom, the Blossom Room, hosted community events and most significantly, was the site of the first Academy Awards in 1929. The elegant two story lobby is a focal point. Several rehabilitations have kept the character-defining architectural features. The hotel also boast a 1950s addition with a pool designed by artist David Hockney. The Roosevelt has been prominently featured in films and television and was a center of Hollywood nightlife along with other hotels of the era, including the Plaza, Christie, and Knickerbocker.

The 25 photographs in this gallery show the building between 1926 and 1977.