The iconic Mayan Theater in downtown Los Angeles has confirmed it will permanently close at the end of September 2025, drawing to a close a prominent 35-year chapter as one of the city’s most beloved live entertainment venues.
Originally opened in August 1927 as a performance theater specializing in musical comedy, the Mayan is celebrated for its majestic Mayan Revival architecture: a rich façade adorned with stylized figures of Quetzalcoatl and Huitzilopochtli, an Aztec calendar stone–inspired chandelier, and verdant interior bas-reliefs sculpted under architect Stiles O. Clements and artist Francisco Cornejo.
Despite its designation as a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument in 1989, the venue underwent a dramatic transformation in 1990—relaunching under new management as a nightclub and live music venue. Over the following decades, it became a magnet for a wide spectrum of performances: international acts such as Daft Punk, Muse, INXS, Jack White, Panic! At The Disco, and electronic music pioneers shared its stage. It also hosted themed parties, salsa and reggaetón nights, Lucha VaVoom shows, and events that celebrated the diversity of LA’s nightlife and arts scene.
In mid-July 2025, the theater’s management posted an emotional announcement stating:
“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. To our loyal patrons, community and friends: thank you for your unwavering support… you made every night truly special.”
As a farewell gesture, the venue is hosting weekly dance events every Saturday night through September 13, inviting longtime regulars and new visitors alike to celebrate its legacy one final time.
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In a statement to the Los Angeles Times, owner and president Sammy Chao described the last five years as “unrelenting,” highlighting the heavy toll of the pandemic, rising inflation, local policy shifts, fires, and changing consumer habits. He emphasized that while the decision to close was painful, it reflected unavoidable realities rather than symbolic defeat.
The Mayan’s closure comes amidst a larger downturn in downtown Los Angeles’ hospitality and cultural scene, where several longtime establishments—such as Cole’s, Original Pantry Café, Shibumi, and Cabra—have also ceased operations in recent months.
The public response has been swift and heartfelt. On Reddit and social media, fans mourned the loss of a cherished institution:
“WTF is happening downtown? … so many new apartments opening up, but all of the stores, restaurants and venues are closing…”
and
“I can’t imagine something as iconic as the Mayan gets torn down… I just hope the space isn’t wasted as a retail store…”
Performers and staff shared nostalgic recollections: singer-songwriter Lysa Flores, who played at the Mayan, recalled it felt like “a magical Hollywood set that had a little bit of indigenous culture,” while tour manager Lalo Medina praised Jack White’s performances at the venue as transformative, noting his energy “possessed” him within the theater’s intimate acoustics.
Looking forward, the future of the venue remains uncertain. While the Mayan’s Historic-Cultural Monument status mandates review before any demolition, no official redevelopment plans have been announced. Many hope it may be repurposed in a way that preserves its lavish interiors and architectural grandeur.
The Mayan Theater’s impending closure signals the end of an era, not just for downtown Los Angeles nightlife but for a broader national movement that valued architectural exuberance, cultural diversity, and experimental live entertainment. Its rich legacy—a twilight zone of cinematic glamour, music history, and community gatherings—will continue to resonate with those who danced beneath its carved ceilings, watched performances in its dim glow, and carried its stories into the city’s evolving cultural tapestry.
