When I was reminiscing about past FIDM Museum television exhibitions the other day, it got me thinking about all the cool costumes, props and vehicles from the movies that used to be on display at ArcLight Hollywood cinema. It was my favourite cinema-going experience, with no ads before the movies and only three trailers, plus regular Q&As with Hollywood actors, writers and directors, and on top of all that seeing all the screen-used costumes and props from the films was a real treat too. So many people work, or aspire to work, in the entertainment industry in Los Angeles, but if you've not grown up around all these behind-the-scenes treasures it's a real thrill to see them up close and in person. The cinema closed down during the pandemic and the Hollywood location has yet to reopen, even though there have been rumblings of a new operator for months now.
Iron Man suit worn by Robert Downey Jr.
on display in May 2008
First up I have to share what I saw on my very first outing to ArcLight Hollywood in May 2008, the suit from Marvel's Iron Man movie on display (and his sports car was parked outside too).
Mamma Mia: The Movie costumes
on display in July 2008
Next up are a quintet of camp costumes from the movie adaptation of Mamma Mia, worn by the likes of Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan, Dominic Cooper, Amanda Seyfried and Julie Walters in the summer of 2008.
Watchmen movie costumes
on display in March 2009
One of my favourite exhibits were these Watchmen movie costumes and I loved how you could walk all around the display and see the superhero suits from every angle and out form behind reflective cases. Sadly over time items of clothing were stolen from the displays and costumes and props had to be secured to protect them from unappreciative, thieving guests.
Stop-motion animation puppets and set from Fantastic Mr. Fox
on display in November 2009
What I also loved is that you got to see models, puppets and sets from stop-motion animation films at the cinema too, like these from 2009's Fantastic Mr. Fox. Other movies showcased included Coraline, ParaNorman, Anomalies, Missing Link and Isle of Dogs.
Optimus Prime truck from Transformers: Dark of the Moon
parked beside the Cinerama Dome in June 2011
In June 2009 for Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen and in June 2011 for Dark of the Moon, Autobot trucks and cars used in the blockbuster movies could be found parked outside ArcLight Hollywood and the infamous Cinerama Dome.
Moonrise Kingdom movie exhibit
in May 2012
Screen-used costumes and props from Moonrise Kingdom were camped out in the cinema's foyer to entertain guests in May 2012.
The Conjuring movie props
on display in July 2013
There was always something for everyone on display at the theatre, from robots-in-disguise to possessed dolls from The Conjuring and other screen-used props from the supernatural horror on display upstairs.
Thor: The Dark World movie costumes
on display in November 2013
In November 2013 costumes worn by Rene Russo and Anthony Hopkins in Marvel Studios Thor: The Dark World could be seen in the cinema's lobby.
The Grand Budapest Hotel production model
on display in March 2014
In March 2014 the actual miniature production model of The Grand Budapest Hotel was on display in all its glory in the cinema foyer, such a fun and detailed thing to behold in person.
The Martian astronaut suit worn by Matt Damon
on display in September 2015
For sci-fi fans, Matt Damon's NASA spacesuit from The Martian could be viewed from every angle in September 2015.
Suburbicon movie costume and prop exhibit
in October 2017
I also love how the studios would try and make their exhibits more interesting by dressing them with props and set pieces form the movie to help showcase the costumes in style, like with this retro Suburbicon movie exhibit example from October 2017 with costumes worn by Matt Damon, Julianne Moore and Noah Jupe.
Ad Astra movie costume and vehicle exhibit
from September 2019
In September 2019 not only was Brad Pitt's spacesuit from Ad Astra on display in the lobby, but they'd also parked his space buggy from the science fiction film too.
Halloween movie costume exhibit
from October 2018
To help scare up an interest in the rebooted Halloween slasher horror franchise, 'Michael Myers' costume lurked in this bloody cool house and porch exhibit in October 2018.
First Man movie costume and control room set exhibit
from January 2019
To help bolster First Man's awards season chances, costumes worn by Ryan Gosling as astronaut Neil Armstrong and a control room set were on display in January 2019.
Camo Tumbler from The Dark Knight Rises
outside ArcLight Hollywood in July 2012
And finally for this eclectic collection of screen-used costumes, props and picture cars, here's a Camo Tumbler used by 'Bane' and his henchmen in The Dark Knight Rises parked outside the cinema to promote the summer blockbuster.
Make sure you also check out this trio of movie costumes from The Dark Knight Rises on display at the cinema too.
So how about that for a trip down memory lane. If you ever frequented the cinema, you now know who the crazy person taking all the photos in the lobby was. Good times.
ArcLight Hollywood you are missed.
