Universal CityWalk

Universal CityWalkis the name shared by the entertainment and retail districts located adjacent to the theme parks ofUniversal Destinations & Experiences. CityWalk began as an expansion of Universal's first park,Universal Studios Hollywood, and serves as an entrance plaza from the parking lots to the theme parks. CityWalk can also be found atUniversal Orlando Resortin Florida,Universal Studios JapaninOsaka, Japan, andUniversal Beijing ResortinBeijing, China.
CityWalk Hollywood and CityWalk Orlando have some common tenants, but their respective architectural styles are quite different. Where CityWalk Hollywood incorporates a classic modern blend of Hollywood, CityWalk Orlando is almost entirely modern in appearance.
CityWalk is separate from Universal Studios Hollywood although it does serve as an entrance from the parking lot to Universal Studios.Inspiration came from theHorton Plazaaccording to Jon Jerde, the architecture of CityWalk Hollywood tries to capture the architecture found all over Los Angeles.
Universal CityWalk Hollywood is a three-block entertainment, dining, shopping promenade. It has more than 30 eateries, a 19-screen movie theater featuringIMAX, 7 night spots, indoor skydiving and more than 30 stores.
Designed byJon Jerde, CityWalk opened in May 1993 adjacent to theCineplex Odeoncinema (operated byAMC Theatressince 2006). A $1 billion, 93,000 sq ft (8,600 m) expansion opened in 2000, with planning also executed by Jerde Associates. Street performers (magicians and musicians) are a common sight.
CityWalk's central plaza is topped by a 170-foot radial trellis designed and built by Pearce Structures(who also constructedBiosphere 2). The courtyard features a leaping fountain, created byWET. A huge television monitor brought in byPanasonic, is located above the multiplex, showing upcoming Universal movie releases, music videos, and NBCUniversal promotions stands next to the giant guitar towering over the Hard Rock Cafe.
In January 2010, the music video forJustin Bieber's song "Baby" was recorded here.
"5 Towers" is an interactive outdoor concert venue on Universal CityWalk, featuring a technologically advanced staging system. The stage is equipped with thousands of LED fixtures, motion capture sensors, five soaring 42-foot light tower sculptures, a massive video monitor, and a state-of-the-art audio system.
The new staging system serves as the structural artistic centerpiece for CityWalk. It features live music.
The Universal CityWalk in Orlando opened in February 1999 as one component of the expansion that transformedUniversal Studios FloridaintoUniversal Orlando Resort. It was built over the former Universal Studiosparking lotand entrance. Guests arriving at the resort park in one of twoparking garagesthen travel via coveredmoving walkwaysover Universal Boulevard into CityWalk. From there, guests can proceed into either of the theme parks:Universal Studios FloridaandUniversal Islands of Adventure.
On April 22, 2011, a 33-year-old man fromWinter Haven, Florida, was found unconscious in front of the Universal Cineplex 20 theater after beingtasedby an off-duty police officer due to disorderly conduct. The man was taken to Dr. P. Phillips Hospital and later died.
TheUniversal CityWalk Osakaopened to public on March 31, 2001 as part of theUniversal Studios Japan.
TheUniversal CityWalk Beijingopened to public on September 2, 2021as part of theUniversal Beijing Resort's first phase with no entrance fee.