Metro Goldwyn Mayer Studios in Hollywood

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History of MGM Studios

The site that MGM Studios now occupies has a long and rich history. The land was originally owned by Louis B. Mayer and their partners. They built a studio there in the late 1920s and named it after their parent company Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. The original studio buildings were demolished in the late 1950s and early 1960s. The site was then used by MCA/Universal as a production facility from 1963 to 2007. When the studio was first constructed in the 1920s, the area was in the middle of open fields. In the decades since, the area has become increasingly built up. Today, the studios are a short walk from the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the Hollywood Bowl, and just across the street from the famous Chinese Theatre.

What can you see at MGM?

If you want to know what you can see at MGM Studios, you will not be disappointed. In addition to the studio tour, there are a few other attractions at MGM that are worth a visit. First of all, there is the Front Lot, which you can explore on your own, free of charge. You can also take a free tram tour of the back lot, which is where most of the studio’s TV shows and movies are filmed. The most exciting attraction at MGM is the Studio VIP Tour. Here, you can see all sorts of behind-the-scenes action and get up close to film props and costumes. You can see the iconic Chinese Theatre, and you can visit historic Culver City. MGM also has a gift shop, which sells souvenirs and merchandise related to the different shows and movies filmed on the lot.

Where is it?

As we have mentioned, MGM Studios is located in the heart of Hollywood, just a few blocks away from the Hollywood Walk of Fame. You can find it at the intersection of Sunset Boulevard and Gaffey Street. You can reach it easily by car or public transportation. If you are driving, you can find directions to MGM Studios here. If you are traveling by public transportation, you can use the Metro Trip Planner.

Tours and Tickets

The best option for seeing the MGM Studios is the Studio VIP Tour. On this tour, which lasts just over an hour, you are shown around the whole studio and get to see pretty much everything as described above. Visiting MGM Studios is free of charge, but the Studio VIP Tour costs $59 per adult and $39 per child. You can save a bit of money if you book early, as the prices tend to go up with higher demand. The Studio Tour is a self-guided tour that costs nothing. You can either download the app or get an audio guide to listen to on your phone or MP3 player. You should know, however, that the tour on the app is a bit limited compared to the VIP Tour.

Tips for Visiting the MGM Studios

If you are planning a visit to MGM Studios, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First of all, you should know that the studios are open only between July and August. Outside of these months, they are open only for special events. If you do visit outside of the summer months, you may find that some attractions are closed. We recommend that you check the MGM website or app to be sure that everything you wish to see is open. You should also be aware that photos and video recordings are strictly prohibited inside the studios. If you break this rule, you may be escorted out of the premises and lose any admission fees. You should also come prepared for warm weather. Although the studios have air-conditioned areas, the outdoor areas can be quite warm. So, take a bottle of water, wear sunscreen, and wear a hat.

Final words: Was it worth visiting?

All in all, MGM Studios is worth visiting. It is packed with Hollywood history, offers a behind-the-scenes look at the movie and TV industry, and has lots to see and do. Whether you are a film lover or not, there is something for everyone at MGM. With its impressive architecture, amazing attractions, and history, MGM is a great place to visit. If you are planning a trip to Los Angeles and want to experience something different, we recommend visiting MGM Studios.