Fans react as LA’s iconic Mayan Theater to close after “35 unforgettable years”
Fans have been reacting after the iconic Mayan Theater in Los Angeles announced that it would be permanently closing.
The historic theatre was designed by architect Stiles Clements and opened back in 1927 as a home for performance arts theatre. In the 98 years since, it has gone on to appear in numerous films and hosted performances from some huge names in music.
The closure was announced on Instagram, with owners writing: “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.”
While they did not explicitly say why the site was closing, they did explain that it will be hosting various dance parties every Saturday night from now through to September 13 as “one last celebration of everything The Mayan has meant to us all”.
When it first opened its doors over nine decades ago, The Mayan began by featuring musical comedies, and during the depression it held plays produced by the Work Progress Administration Federal Theater Project (via LAist).
Between 1971 and 1989, it was owned by a pornographic filmmaker called Carlos Tobalina, who used it as an adult theatre, and in 1990 it entered new management and reopened as a nightclub and music venue.
Huge names such as Jack White, Muse, INXS, Moby, The Prodigy, Panic! At The Disco and The Residents have all performed at The Mayan over the years, and Daft Punk marked one year of their split in 2022 by sharing footage of them performing at the venue back in 1997. It has also seen numerous live albums recorded there from the likes of Ministry, The Format and The Dead Weather.
Artists and fans of the venue have been quick to respond to news of the theatre’s closure. Electronic artist Rinzen commented on the Instagram post: “Absolutely iconic venue for LA. It will be missed”, while a fan added: “I remember years ago seeing PJ Harvey and Simple Minds at the Mayan. Loved every minute of it. Very sad to see it close its doors”.
“Over the past 35 years, countless memories have been made within these walls, and we’d love to hear yours,” added a resident artist called DJ Woody. “Whether you witnessed legendary artists, bands, DJs, and performers… danced through the early techno nights of the ‘90s… did the walk of shame at 6 AM… or caught unforgettable world-class […] The Mayan was always about giving you an amazing time.” Find more responses below.
Yet another legendary downtown Los Angeles landmark is shuttering. In a post to Instagram Monday morning, management at The Mayan Theater, located at 1038 S. Hill St., announced plans to close beloved nightclub and music venue after a 35-year run in its current iteration.
pic.twitter.com/wFb1Mii0Hr
— Jack Mulholland (@JackMulholland1) July 15, 2025
Awww damn. Saw some good shows there.
— Josh (@properjosh) July 14, 2025
The Mayan Theater in Downtown LA is closing after 35 years
So many unforgettable nights performing there with Lucha VaVoom… this one hurts. #MayanTheater #LuchaVaVoom #DTLA #LosAngelesHistory #IndieWrestling #ThrowbackVibes #LAArts #EndOfAnEra #LivePerformance pic.twitter.com/jurtXFlCkI— Joey Ryan (@JoeyRyanOnline) July 16, 2025
That's a drag.
— pizzmoe
(@pizzmoe) July 14, 2025
Sadly another Los Angeles Landmark will be closing and I never got to experience this theater. There have been many shows and concerts there. How sad. The Mayan Theater.https://t.co/yPSJf1cx4r
— Karyn $ (Kurves) (@kurrves) July 15, 2025
In a statement to the Los Angeles Times, Sammy Chao, manager, owner and president of The Mayan, suggested that it was the long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic that led to the decision to close.
“The past five years have delivered an unrelenting barrage of adversity,” Chao began. “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.”
He continued: “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.”
Find out more about The Mayan Theater and the upcoming Saturday night dance parties it will be hosting here.
The post Fans react as LA’s iconic Mayan Theater to close after “35 unforgettable years” appeared first on NME.
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