About the studio...

This is the original site of the MGM Studios! MGM was founded in 1924 when Metro Pictures, Goldwyn Pictures and Louis B. Mayer merged their companies.

The studio's "Ars Gratia Artis" (Art for Art's Sake ) motto and roaring lion became as well known as their movies. Louis B. Mayer, the legendary head of the studio, saw the studio as a family unit with himself as the father and the stars as his children. The studio had some of the world's biggest stars: Buster Keaton, Jean Harlow, The Marx Brothers, Joan Crawford, Greta Garbo, Spencer Tracy, Katherine Hepburn, Clark Gable, Gregory Peck, James Stewart, Grace Kelly, and so many many more…

Classic films include: "The Philadelphia Story," "Ben Hur," "Mutiny on the Bounty," "Doctor Zhivago," "The Dirty Dozen," "2001: A Space Odyssey," "That's Entertainment." MGM also had success with a series of films based on some tried and true concepts. Among these, the Marx Brothers and their zany antics, Tarzan and Jane's perils in the jungle, Dr. Kildaire's healing power, Nora and Nick's sleuthing in "The Thin Man," and Andy Hardy's silly predicaments.

Released in 1939, The "Wizard of OZ" is probably the best known of the MGM musicals, but it was during the '40s and '50s that the movie musicals became its signature style. Among them: "Singin' in the Rain," "Meet Me in St Louis," "For Me and My Gal," "Girl Crazy," "Anchors Aweigh," "Easter Parade," "Annie Get Your Gun," "High Society," and "Gigi." These films starred some of our all-time favorites: Judy Garland, Mickey Rooney, Debbie Reynolds, Gene Kelly, Fred Astaire, Ann Miller, and June Allyson. Contract star Esther Williams was also wowing audiences with her mermaid-style swimming in such films as "Neptune's Daughter" and "Million Dollar Mermaid."

Since 1990 the lot has housed Columbia Pictures, which has its own rich history of moving making in Hollywood. Columbia, is now a division of Sony Pictures Entertainment. The sound stages are used for both motion picture and television show production. Recent movies made here include "Spider-Man" and "Planet of the Apes." Some of the television shows that tape on the lot are "Jeopardy," "Wheel of Fortune," and "King of Queens."

While here, plan to take the Studio Tour and get a glimpse of Old Hollywood's glory days on this 2 hour walking tour.See below for more information.
 

What's going on in the area:

 
SONY STUDIOS TOUR
10202 W. Washington Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232 (323) 520-TOUR
Step back into a legendary time and get a glimpse of Old Hollywood's Glory days on this 2 hour walking tour. You can see where the Yellowbrick Road once was or maybe drop in on the Jeopardy! set for a little game show trivia. Tour Hours: 9:30AM, 11AM, 12PM, 2PM (summer only) and 3PM.
Minimum age is 12 years.
Admission: $20
Tours start at the Sony Pictures Plaza on Madison Ave between Washington and Culver Blvd. Free parking provided.


SANTA MONICA
You are sure to recognize Santa Monica as the community featured on postcards depicting Southern California's beautiful beaches. Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Monica Mountain range, you will find miles of beaches as you wind your way along Pacific Coast Highway. Or take a scenic drive down palm-lined Ocean Avenue with its hotels and restaurants, located on a bluff overlooking the ocean.


SANTA MONICA PIER
The oldest pleasure pier on the West Coast, the Santa Monica Pier features amusement rides, arcade games, street performers, souvenir shops, restaurants, fishing and an awesome view! There are a total of 11 rides on the Pier. Be sure to check out the Pacific Park roller coaster with its breathtaking views of the waves below and the giant Pacific Ferris wheel which takes you 9 stories above the sea! Rides are priced from $1 -$4.
Ride the Santa Monica Carousel, with its 44 hand-carved horses, which has been designated as a national historic landmark. Adults $.50, Children $ .25
Rent a fishing pole at the Bait & Tackle and fish off the end of the Pier. No permit needed. There is a bike path that extends both north and south of the Pier, so rent a bike or a pair of skates and enjoy!

MUSCLE BEACH
is the historic birthplace of bodybuilding. This surfside gym was home to former fitness gurus Jack LaLanne and Vic Tanny back in the '50s. Stuntmen, gymnast and fitness experts came here to flex their muscles and its popularity continues today. Test your strength on the gymnastic rings, swings, and chin up bars. Located just south of the Pier on the beach.

THE THIRD STREET PROMENADE
is located 3 blocks from the ocean and features a pedestrian walkway with outdoor cafes, restaurants, coffeehouses, bookstores, movie theaters, and shops lining the walk. On Wednesday and Saturday from 9AM- 2 PM there is a Farmer's Market that sells local produce and flowers.

MUSEUM OF FLYING
2772 Donald Douglas Loop North, Santa Monica, CA (310) 392-8822
Southern California has a rich aviation history. See the historic aircraft, exhibitions, hands-on displays, and flight simulator at the museum.
Hours: 10Am - 5PM Wednesday - Sunday.
Adults $7, Children (3-16) $3, Seniors $5

TIDE SHUTTLE
runs from the Third Street Promenade to Main Street with stops at the Oceanside hotels. Cost is $.25. Schedules can be obtained at the Visitors Center or hotels.

SANTA MONICA VISITORS CENTER
Contact for more information on things to do.
1400 Ocean Avenue (2 blocks north of Pier), Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 393-759

VENICE BEACH is located just south of Santa Monica and yes, it does have canals and gondoliers just like in Italy!. Home to sun and surf, Venice also has a very vibrant, off-beat beach community teeming with street musicians, skaters, t-shirt vendors, and cafes. This is a great place to shop for inexpensive souvenirs. See and be seen at the Sidewalk Cafe at 1401 Ocean Front Walk (at Horizon) for inexpensive American fare. Check out Abbot Kinney Boulevard for antique furniture, vintage clothing, local art, and coffee houses.

BEVERLY HILLS
Celebrities have lived in Beverly Hills since the 1920's. Long known as the home to the rich and famous, drive along Sunset Boulevard and turn down any one of the well-manicured side streets to see some of the most beautiful homes in the country. You can snap a picture of the world-famous Beverly Hills Hotel "The Pink Palace" at 9641 Sunset Blvd (between Benedict Canyon and Beverly Dr).
On RODEO DRIVE shop the most exclusive stores in the world: Chanel, Gucci, Yves St Laurent, and jewelers Cartier, Tiffany, Harry Winston, and Van Cleef & Arpel.
Along WILSHIRE BOULEVARD you will find Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Barneys, and the Beverly Wilshire Hotel (featured in "Pretty Woman.")

BEVERLY HILLS TROLLEY TOUR
Sights & Scenes Tour - 40 minute tour, 12 PM -5PM on the hour
Art & Architecture Tour - 50 minute tour, Saturdays only, 11AM
Departs from the corner of Rodeo Drive and Dayton Way
Adults $5, Children (under 12) $1

ACADEMY OF MOTION PICTURES ART & SCIENCES - Home of the Oscars!
8949 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills, (310) 247-3000
The Academy is open to the public and features special exhibits in the Grand Lobby Gallery and Fourth Floor Gallery. Special screenings and programs are also offered. Call for schedule.
Open: 9AM to 5 PM Tues - Fri and 12-PM to 6PM Weekends.

KATE MANTILINIS - See celebrities !
9101 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 (310) 278-3699
Named after a female boxing promoter of the 1940s, this restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Stays open until 2 AM.
American comfort food. Moderate - Expensive.

THE MUSEUM OF TELEVISION & RADIO
465 N Beverly, Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 (310) 786-1000
Designed by world-famous architect Richard Meier (Getty Museum), the museum houses more than 90,000 hours of televison and radio shows. Visitors can look up their favorite shows and watch or listen on their own private console.
Hours: Wed to Sun 12PM to 5PM, Thursdays 12PM to 9 PM
Recommended contribution Adults $6, Students and Seniors $4. Children (under13) $3.