Once an abandoned and depressing collection of industrial buildings on the eastern side of DTLA, near Little Tokyo and west of the L.A. River, the Arts District is now one of L.A.’s most happening neighborhoods. The Southern California Institute of Architecture (SCI-Arc), located in the 110 year-old, quarter-mile long former Santa Fe Freight Depot, offers excellent lectures and talks, and across the street is the 438-unit One Santa Fe building, designed by Michael Maltzan Architecture. Coffee is an art form here, with Blue Bottle Coffee Co., Stumptown Coffee Roasters, and Blacktop Coffee acting as the reigning champs. Shop for design-oriented gifts at Poketo, socially conscious fashion at Apolis, organic groceries at Urban Radish, and vintage linen bedding at Matteo. Don’t miss the roast suckling pig and house made salumi at Bestia—if you can get a reservation. The Factory Kitchen, Cerveteca, and Church & State are all excellent backups.
Hollis Benton was a Los Angeles based gallerist whose gallery and exhibitions helped define the visual culture of the 1980s. Curated by Aaron Moulton, Over the Influence Los Angeles’ latest exhibition pays homage to Benton with a stunning group show. In 1980, Benton opened his gallery on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. For nearly a... Keep reading →
Designed by architect Frank Gehry, Walt Disney Concert Hall (WDCH) is an internationally recognized architectural landmark and one of the most acoustically sophisticated concert halls in the world. From the stainless steel curves of its striking exterior to the state-of-the-art acoustics of the hardwood-paneled main auditorium, the 3.6-acre complex embodies the unique energy and creative... Keep reading →
Situated in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles, The Broad museum has become one of the city’s most iconic architectural marvels. World-renowned architectural firm Diller Scofidio + Renfro designed the building with a “veil-and-vault” concept in mind. The vault houses pieces from the collection not on display in the galleries. The top surface of the... Keep reading →
Downtown Los Angeles has come alive with a new pop-up art festival that focuses on activism and community building. The We Rise festival features over 150 artists in an eye-opening exhibition. We Rise also includes workshops and activities aimed at improving our communities’ overall understanding of mental health. The We Rise festival strives to send... Keep reading →
Designed by John Parkinson, John C. Austin, and Albert C. Martin Sr., Los Angeles City Hall was completed in 1928. The building houses the mayor’s office, meeting chambers and offices of the Los Angeles City Council. For decades, City Hall towered over the downtown cityscape at 454 feet high. It was the only building to... Keep reading →