Landmark Music Venue, Former DTLA Movie Palace And Porn Theater, To Shut Down

LOS ANGELES, CA — The Mayan, a popular downtown music venue located inside a century-old former movie palace, will be closing its doors after a 35-year run, its management announced this week.

“It is with heavy yet grateful hearts that we announce The Mayan will be closing its doors at the end of September, after 35 unforgettable years,” reads a statement from the venue’s Instagram page. “To our loyal patrons, community and friends: thank you for your unwavering support, your trust and the countless memories we’ve created together. You made every night truly special.”

There's no word yet on whether there's anyone lined up to take over the new building and what it could be used for.

But the theater structure — known for its intricate facade done in the style of pre-Columbian societies — has a long history of varied uses.

It opened in 1927 as a theater focused on musical comedies. In the 60s it screened pornographic films. And since 1990 it has housed a concert venue and nightclub, according to an in-depth history published by the Los Angeles Theatres blog.

It was designated as a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument in 1989.

The property is a "rare example of Mayan Revival architecture" designed by master architects Octavius Weller Morgan, John A. Walls, and Stiles O. Clements of the prominent Los Angeles architectural firm Morgan, Walls & Clements, according to city documents.

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