7 days ago
Iconic LA nightclub loved by A-listers suddenly closes after 35 years in business
A star-studded Los Angeles club has announced shocking plans to shutter before the end of the year - marking the end of an era for the iconic city's nightlife scene.
The Mayan, which has been a downtown LA staple for 35 years, alerted its more than 31,000 Instagram followers it will being closing in September.
'It is with heavy yet grateful hearts that we announced The Mayan will be closing its doors at the end of September, after 35 unforgettable years,' its owners wrote on Monday.
'To our loyal patrons, community, and friends; thank you for your unwavering support, your trust, and your countless memories we've created together. You made every night truly special.'
While The Mayan debuted as a nightclub in 1990, its history stems way back to 1927, when the historic venue opened to the public as a theater.
It was designed by Mexican sculptor Francisco Cornejo and architects, who drew inspiration from pre-Colombian American societies, The Los Angeles Times reported.
The 1,491-seat Mayan Theatre started as a space for musical performances, and quickly became a symbol of 1920s Mayan Revivalism architecture.
It flip-flopped in ownership several times - spending years promoting Spanish films before become a porno theater in the 1970s and 1980s, according to The Wrap.
In 1989, LA made the building a Historic-Cultural monument, as it reflects 'the broad cultural, political, economic or social history of the nation, state, or community,' according to the city.
The following year, The Mayan was purchased by its current owners, and has since become an A-lister magnet for its lively events and concerts.
Over the years, the club has welcomed its fair share of celebrities, and hosted performances from bands including Panic! At the Disco and Linkin Park.
Other artists including MIA, Jack White and Prophets of Rage have also hosted concerts there.
While its purpose evolved over the years, The Mayan's architectural integrity has remained - featuring detailed carvings and ancient cultural patterns from Aztec and Mayan civilizations.
Another standout quality of the seven cathedral-esque windows surrounding its entrance.
In response to the nightclub's closure announcement, hundreds of party-loving patrons - including some prominent names - expressed their grief in the comment section.
'Absolutely iconic venue for LA. It will be missed,' LA-based electronic artist Rinzen wrote.
'Thank you for so much great live music,' added SiriusXM disc jockey and voice actress Kat Corbett.
'Dtla is turning into a ghost town. Sad for those who still remember the awesome light life it one had. RIP to Coles, The Falls, art walk, and now the Mayan theater,' someone added.
Another passionately asked: 'WHY??? WHY ARE ALL THE COOL PLACES CLOSING DOWN?'
The Mayan's president, Sammy Chao, told the LA Times a slew of 'adversity' had led up to the difficult decision.
Ever since COVID, Chao explained, business has been on a downward slope. Rising operation costs combined with wildfire fallout and other broader issues have also contributed to the struggles faced by The Mayan.
'We've done everything possible to stay afloat, adapt and serve, but the path forward has been eroded beyond recognition,' Chao wrote to the LA Times.
'We have given this business everything we have — and more — and come this far, so the decision to close is not so much one of defeat, but of necessity and truth.'
While the nightclub is set to close for good on September 13, it is unclear what the future holds for the legendary building.
