The historic Mayan music venue and nightclub in downtown Los Angeles has announced its closure under current management after an impressive 35-year run. The venue made the announcement on its Instagram page on Monday, sharing that it will close its doors at the end of September.
The statement expressed deep gratitude to its loyal patrons and the community, saying, “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, your trust and the countless memories we’ve created together. You made every night truly special.”
As the venue prepares for its final days, it has invited both longtime and new patrons to enjoy the remaining months with weekly Saturday dance nights scheduled through September 13.
The future of the historic site remains uncertain following its closure, with no immediate plans disclosed regarding its potential new use. The Mayan has not yet responded to requests for further information.
Located at 1038 S. Hill St., the Mayan Theater first opened on August 15, 1927, featuring a performance of George Gershwin’s Broadway musical “Oh Kay.” The theater is a notable example of the Mayan Revival architectural style that characterized a movement in the U.S. during the 1920s and 1930s, drawing inspiration from pre-Columbian Mesoamerican architecture.
The exterior of the venue features giant bas-relief figures of the Maya god Huitzilopochtli, seated on an earth monster. Inside, a three-tiered chandelier that is illuminated in red, blue, and amber colors replicates the Aztec calendar stone found in Mexico City. The tapered pillars inside the theater draw inspiration from Uxmal’s Palace of the Governors, a notable Maya ruin dating back to AD 800.
The building’s unique designs were influenced by Mexican anthropologist and sculptor Francisco Cornejo, who collaborated with the architects to ensure authenticity in capturing pre-Columbian aesthetics.
During the Great Depression, the theater was utilized by the Works Projects Administration, serving as an Actors Workshop theater. A significant moment in its history occurred in 1944 when Black producer Leon Norman Hefflin Sr. staged the acclaimed musical “Sweet ‘N Hot,” featuring the legendary Dorothy Dandridge.
In 1947, the Fouce family acquired the venue, directing its programming towards Spanish-language films and performances. By the early 1970s, the theater shifted again when Peruvian filmmaker Carlos Tobalina took over ownership, transitioning the programming to focus on adult films.
In 1990, the Mayan underwent a transformation under new management and transitioned into a nightclub and music venue, becoming a significant part of L.A.’s nightlife scene. In recognition of its historical significance, the city designated the building as an official L.A. Historic-Cultural Monument.
The Mayan has also served as a filming location for numerous productions, notably the blockbuster film “The Bodyguard” in 1992, the 1998 feature “A Night at the Roxbury,” and the Ramones’ musical comedy “Rock ‘n’ Roll High School” in 1979. Most recently, it appeared in the Netflix series “GLOW,” showcasing its diverse cultural impact over the years.
image source from：latimes
