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The Mayan, a staple of DTLA nightlife, will close its doors this fall

BBG News

In the heart of downtown Los Angeles, the well-known music venue and nightclub, simply known as The Mayan, declared on Monday morning that it will be shutting down, under its current leadership, following a remarkable 35-year stint.

With a heavy heart yet filled with gratitude, we share that The Mayan will be closing at the end of September after 35 remarkable years. Our Instagram post expresses our deep appreciation to our dedicated patrons, community, and friends for your unwavering support, trust, and the precious memories we’ve made together. Every night was truly magical because of you.

The announcement encouraged both established and potential supporters to mark the club’s remaining months with style, by hosting weekly Saturday dance events until September 13th.

Entertainment & Arts

Celebrating nearly 25 years of thrilling entertainment that combines camp, silliness, and wonder, the independent lucha libre troupe Lucha VaVoom marks the occasion with a duo of Valentine’s Day performances.

After the closure of the historical venue in May, it remains uncertain whether it will be repurposed or left unused.

The Mayan did not immediately respond to The Times’ request for information.

Named after the ancient Mayan civilization, the Mayan Theater – situated at 1038 S. Hill St., neighboring the Belasco – commenced operations on Aug. 15, 1927, with a staging of George Gershwin’s Broadway musical “Oh Kay.” This theater, as its title suggests, stands out as one of the most renowned representations of the Mayan Revival architectural style that emerged in the U.S. during the 1920s and 1930s. Drawing upon pre-Columbian Mesoamerican architecture for inspiration, this movement aimed to create structures that echoed the grandeur of the ancient Mayans.

According to an article in The Times published in 1989, the massive sculptures adorning the exterior of the venue depict the Mayan god Huitzilopochtli sitting atop a mythical creature symbolizing the earth. The theater’s three-level chandelier, illuminated with red, blue, and amber lights, is modeled after the Aztec calendar stone discovered near Mexico City. The design of the slender columns was influenced by the Palace of the Governors at Uxmal, an ancient Mayan structure dating back to AD 800 located on the Yucatan Peninsula.

Entertainment & Arts

On August 15, 1927, the Mayan Theatre, adorned with stern Pre-Columbian deities watching over its first audience, debuted the Broadway performance of “Oh Kay,” a musical by George Gershwin.

The Mexican anthropologist and sculptor, Francisco Cornejo, collaborated with architects to construct a building inspired by genuine designs from pre-Columbian American cultures.

During the Great Depression, a theater was leased to the Works Progress Administration (WPA) who transformed it into an Actors Workshop theatre. In 1944, influential African-American producer, director, and entrepreneur Leon Norman Hefflin Sr., showcased a successful and critically acclaimed musical titled “Sweet ‘N Hot.” Notable Black film and stage personality Dorothy Dandridge headlined the production.

In 1947, the Fouce family acquired the theater and started showcasing Spanish-language movies and performances. By the 1970s, the theater was taken over by Peruvian filmmaker and actor Carlos Tobalina, who switched the focus to explicit, R-rated films.

Entertainment & Arts

This Thursday, The Exotikon Super Shock Show offers an exciting lineup: World-renowned magician Rob Zabrecky will dazzle us with his act, Ghouly Gal and Jimmy Psycho and the Infernal Order of the Black Flame will set the mood with their eerie live music, burlesque dancers will entertain us, and there’s even more in store!

Back in 1990, I found myself taking over the reins of what was once known simply as the Mayan. Over time, it transformed into a pulsating hub for nightlife and live music. Now, Los Angeles officially recognizes this building as an historic-cultural monument, a testament to its enduring charm and significance in our city’s rich cultural tapestry.

Various movie productions have chosen the Mayan as a backdrop for their films, such as “The Bodyguard” from 1992, featuring Kevin Costner and Whitney Houston, the transition from skit to feature film “A Night at the Roxbury” in 1998, the 1979 musical comedy “Rock ‘n’ Roll High School” led by The Ramones, and more recently, the wrestling-themed series “GLOW” on Netflix.

Over the past few years, the vibrant Mayan culture has been enriched by the entertaining spectacles like Lucha VaVoom de La Liz, a blend of lucha libre and burlesque, as well as hosting performances by notable acts such as Jack White, M.I.A., and Prophets of Rage.

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2025-07-15 01:01

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