The Mayan Theater, an iconic and historic Los Angeles nightlife destination with a legacy spanning 98 years, has made the heartbreaking announcement that it will permanently shut down its doors this September. This venue has been a cornerstone of the entertainment scene, offering countless unforgettable experiences to its patrons.
Earlier this week, the news of the venue’s closure was shared via social media by the dedicated team behind the Mayan Theater. Their heartfelt message stated, “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.” This statement reflects the deep emotional connection the theater has fostered with its community over the years.
“To our loyal patrons, community, and friends: thank you for your unwavering support, your trust, and the countless memories we’ve created together,” the statement continued. “You made every night truly special.” This expression of gratitude underscores the theater’s role in shaping the social fabric of Los Angeles and highlights the collective experiences shared within its walls.
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The statement concluded by inviting all patrons to bid farewell to this historic venue in style, with the dance floor remaining open every Saturday night until September 13. “Join us for one last celebration of everything the Mayan Theater has meant to us all.” This call to action emphasizes the theater’s long-standing role in the community and encourages attendees to create lasting memories in its final weeks.
In a statement shared with the Los Angeles Times, Sammy Chao, the manager, owner, and president of the Mayan Theater, expressed his deep appreciation for the theater’s loyal clientele. He pointed to the ongoing repercussions of COVID-19 as a significant factor contributing to the difficult decision to close the venue. This acknowledgment sheds light on the broader challenges faced by the entertainment industry in recent years.
“[T]The past five years have delivered an unrelenting barrage of adversity: the ongoing fallout of the pandemic, rising operational costs, and staggering inflation, industry-wide strikes, dramatically shifting consumer habits, catastrophic fires, political unrest, and public policies at the city, state, and federal levels that have increasingly burdened small businesses and the workers who keep this city alive,” Chao explained. His words highlight the multifaceted challenges that have impacted small businesses and the entertainment sector specifically.
“We’ve done everything possible to stay afloat, adapt, and serve, but the path forward has been eroded beyond recognition. We have given this business everything we have — and more — and come this far, so the decision to close is not so much one of defeat, but of necessity and truth.” This poignant reflection captures the struggle and resilience of those dedicated to maintaining the Mayan Theater as a beloved venue.
The Mayan Theater, named for its stunning Mayan Revival architecture, first opened its doors in 1927. Initially, it served primarily as a performing arts theater before gradually incorporating film screenings over the decades. In 1990, the venue transitioned to new management and evolved into a music venue and nightclub, showcasing an impressive array of local and international artists throughout the years.
Performers such as Jack White, Panic! At the Disco, INXS, Muse, Moby, The Residents, and many others have graced its stage. Notably, the renowned French electronic duo Daft Punk commemorated the one-year anniversary of their split in 2022 by sharing footage of their unforgettable 1997 performance at the Mayan Theater. This rich history of performances emphasizes the venue’s significance in the music scene.
