Historically, the corner of Hollywood Boulevard and Gower Street has always been abuzz with activity; it served as an anchor to the old movie studio district (some of which are still nearby, including the Sunset Gower and Paramount Studios), it's where the Hollywood Walk of Fame begins and has also been a center of nightlife with venues such as Florentine Gardens, The Fonda Theater and the Pantages Theater with its adjoining Frolic Room a block west.
Throughout the decades, one venue on that infamous intersection has been churning in thousands of guests for a night of music and dancing. Known as Qtopia, The Vanguard and more recently Create Nightclub, this space has been transformed yet again by Insomniac Events and ExchangeLA. In its most recent incarnation, the space at 6021 Hollywood Boulevard is now ACADEMY.
The expanded dancefloor at Academy. Photo: @insomniac.
ACADEMY entered the L.A. nightlife with a massive month-long celebration that brought out some of the biggest names in EDM, including Krewella, DVBBS, Benny Benassi, The Magician, and TNT. The grand opening celebration saw the debut of an upgraded, modern and immersive dance floor production. A giant LED ceiling hovers above the dancefloor and integrates the latest in technology with the beats the DJ spins on the stage.
Speaking of beats, a cleaner sound surrounds the entire venue with an upgraded system and a larger dancefloor that allows guests to dance along more freely than the previous space. In order to accomplish this, the VIP tables flanking each end were updated and remodeled and now gives more breathing room to the crowd below.
The Magician plays on as the new LED ceiling takes center stage. Photo: @insomniac.
The entrance to the nightclub now commands the attention of drivers and pedestrians cruising the boulevard as a giant neon sign and the line into the venue are directly on the street. Previously, the entrance and line were hidden in a parking lot sandwiched between the venue and the Museum of Death. The new entrance gives way to a dimly-lit foyer with a bar and lounge. As one approaches the dance floor, they are introduced to a long mirror near the bathroom perfect for those Instagram selfies. The interior of the venue is meant to give a warehouse vibe, similar to those early 90s warehouse raves held across Los Angeles.
The back patio remained largely the same, with its wide open space and lounge furniture alongside a bar perfect for catching a break during those long dance sessions. The patio area continues to be accessible directly behind the DJ booth, which means one must traverse the dance floor on the right or left to access it. Those unfamiliar with the venue may not even be aware the patio exists due to it being behind the production; but once outside, the patio is the perfect escape from the dancefloor during those warm California nights.
The overhaul of this Hollywood staple was completed due to the partnership of L.A. based Insomniac Events and Exchange LA, a club that has been ranked “Top 100 Clubs in the World” by DJ Magazine. Over the last few years, Insomniac and Exchange LA have held over 600 successful club events in the historic downtown art deco building.
ACADEMY continues this thriving partnership by breathing new life to not only the interior of the building but also to the streetscape of Hollywood Boulevard. ACADEMY's new LED ceiling in particular, alongside the beats played by the biggest names in EDM, has stepped-up the game in Los Angeles nightlife.
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For upcoming events, and artist schedule click here.
ACADEMY
6201 Hollywood Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA. 90028
323.785.2680
