First online in September 2005, this site has evolved (and continues to do so) over the last few years. It all started with a conversation with Universal Studios Hollywood employees about the history of the park. It turns out there was no written, detailed history of the theme park. Obviously plenty of authors have tackled the history of Universal the movie studio, but no-one had concentrated on the theme park.
The information on this site has been harvested from the four corners of the internet, along with numerous guide books, postcards and leaflets produced by Universal Studios Hollywood (“USH”) since 1915. Additional references from past employees and visitors have filled in gaps and brought some more mysterious attractions and live shows slightly more into focus. However, many murky periods remain, so please email me direct with your updates, corrections or thoughts.
The site is now growing to cover historical information about many more movie studios – more will be added over the coming months, but please contact us if you have any information that may be useful.
Thanks for reading, and I hope you enjoy the rest of your stay at Universal Studios Hollywood!
Jon
Credits:
Original photos (except where credited) content and design: Jon Primrose
Additional design: Scott Weller
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About the author
Jon Primrose is a theatre lighting designer and is Technical Manager at the University of Exeter Drama Department in the UK. He remembers writing a letter to Pinewood Studios near London aged around 12 asking about studio tours (they denied access) so was thrilled to finally get to Universal Studios in 2001.
This site started as a way of finding out more about Universal Studios, and to act as a resource for visitors to the park who wanted to know more.
It will continue to expand as time allows.