Step behind the curtain at one of Hollywood's most storied production facilities, where iconic films and beloved game shows continue to be made on the very stages that once housed Munchkinland.

Welcome to Sony Pictures Studios, a working film and television complex that has been shaping entertainment history for over a century. Nestled in Culver City at the heart of Los Angeles County, this 45-acre facility offers visitors a rare glimpse into the daily operations of a major Hollywood studio.

Unlike a museum frozen in time, this is a living, breathing production hub where you might catch crews filming the next blockbuster or audience members lining up for a game show taping. The studio tour reveals both the glamorous history and the nuts-and-bolts reality of moviemaking.

From Triangle Studios to Sony: A Century of Storytelling

The studio's roots stretch back to 1915 when pioneering director Thomas H. Ince was persuaded by Culver City founder Harry Culver to relocate his operation from the Pacific Palisades. Ince co-founded Triangle Studios, building an entrance fashioned as a Greek colonnade that still stands today as a Culver City landmark.

After passing through the hands of Samuel Goldwyn, the lot became home to Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer in 1924, entering its golden age. For decades, MGM turned out classic films at a rate of 52 per year, including Ben-Hur (1959) and The Wizard of Oz (1939). Following MGM's departure and a period under Lorimar-Telepictures, Sony acquired the property in 1990, investing $100 million to restore the complex to its former glory.

The Stages and Sets That Built Hollywood

The studio complex features 28 soundstages, some ranking among the largest in the world. Stage 15 holds the distinction of being the second largest soundstage globally, while Stage 27 famously served as the setting for Munchkinland in The Wizard of Oz.

The Barbra Streisand Scoring Stage, a 600-square-meter recording space operational since the 1930s, remains one of the world's premier orchestra recording facilities. Equipped with a 96-channel AMS Neve mixing console, it continues to record film scores for major productions.

The lot's Main Street features nostalgic storefronts and false fronts that have appeared in countless productions, while hand-painted murals of classic Columbia Pictures film posters adorn various buildings throughout the property.

A Working Studio Open to the Public

What sets Sony Pictures Studios apart is its dual identity as both an active production facility and a tourist destination. Visitors can explore the same lots where crews are actively filming, providing an authentic look at the entertainment industry in action.

The complex currently houses operations for Columbia Pictures, TriStar Pictures, and Screen Gems, along with California offices for Sony Music Publishing and other Sony divisions. Long-running game shows Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy! have taped here since the mid-1990s, with Stage 10 renamed "The Alex Trebek Stage" in 2021.

The restored Triangle Studios colonnade from 1915 anchors the property, connecting visitors to the earliest days of Hollywood while modern productions continue all around them.

Sony Pictures Studio Tour Highlights & Tips

• The Historic Triangle Studios Colonnade See the original 1915 Greek colonnade entrance that remains a Culver City historical landmark and represents the earliest days of the studio.
• Stage 27: The Wizard of Oz Connection Visit the soundstage where the iconic Munchkinland scenes from The Wizard of Oz (1939) were filmed, a piece of cinema history.
• The Barbra Streisand Scoring Stage One of the world's largest recording studios since the 1930s, this 600-square-meter space continues to record orchestral film scores.
• Active Production Sets Experience the excitement of a working studio where you might see crews filming television shows or movies during your tour.
• Main Street Backlot Walk through the atmospheric Main Street with its nostalgic storefronts and false fronts that have appeared in countless film and TV productions.
• Book Tours in Advance Studio tours are offered daily but spaces fill up quickly. Reserve your spot online through the official website to ensure availability.
• Check for Game Show Tapings Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy! tape at the studio. Check their respective websites for free tickets to attend tapings as an audience member.
• Photography Policies Photography policies vary depending on active productions. Check current rules when booking your tour to understand what you can capture.
• Plan for Walking The 45-acre complex involves considerable walking during tours. Wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for outdoor exploration.

Sony Pictures Studios offers something truly unique in the museum world: a living archive where history and contemporary creativity intersect daily. Walking through these gates means following in the footsteps of Hollywood legends while witnessing today's entertainment being crafted in real time.

Whether you're a film history enthusiast, a behind-the-scenes buff, or simply curious about how your favorite shows come together, this studio tour provides unparalleled access to the moviemaking process. The combination of preserved landmarks like the Triangle colonnade and active soundstages creates a dynamic experience that evolves with each visit, making it a destination worth returning to again and again.