Art Deco LA

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John and Donald Parkinson designed the notable Title Guarantee and Trust Company Building in 1930. It is one of the more interesting landmark buildings in the downtown Los Angeles area. The crown of the building is Gothic and the facade of the structure features fun zigzagged detailing. Don't neglect this quirky building when you tour important city architecture.

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Built in 1931, this Art Deco building was designed by James and David Allison. This building was once the home of the Southern California Edison company; now it provides office space for a variety of tenants. Notable features of the building include the two story lobby featuring over a dozen types of marble and a large mural by Hugo Ballin titled "The Apotheosis of Power." Other highlights include the stone friezes by Merrel Gage which are located above the octagonal entryway and depict light, energy, and hydroelectric power. The first three stories of this building are limestone, above that the edifice is clad with terra cotta tiles. The street-level shopping arcade was added in 1993.

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This is one of L.A.'s early architectural achievements and the third-largest library in the United States. The city rallied to save the library when arson nearly destroyed it in 1986; the triumphant restoration has returned much of its original splendor. Working in the early 1920s, architect Bertram G. Goodhue employed the Egyptian motifs and materials popularized by the discovery of King Tut's tomb, and combined them with a more modern use of concrete block to great effect. Walking tours are the best way to explore this old beauty; they're led Monday through Friday at 12:30pm, Saturday at 11am and 2pm, and Sunday at 2pm. Warning: Parking in this area can involve a heroic effort. Try visiting on the weekend and using the Flower Street parking entrance; the library will validate your ticket, and you can escape for only $2.

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Walker and Eisen designed this building in 1928 for businessman James Oviatt and his men's store, Oviatt and Alexander. He had fallen in love with the new Art Deco style on his buying trips to Paris. Most of the fixtures, draperies, stairways, glass fixtures and carpets were made in Paris and then shipped to California. In recent years, architect Brenda Levin has beautifully restored the building. The men's shop is now the restaurant Cicada.

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This Art Deco building was completed in 1930. The architect was Claud Beelman; he is responsible also for a number of buildings from the same time period in downtown Los Angeles including the Eastern Columbia building. The building itself is a little plain but the lobby is quite formidable with black and purple marble with detailing in silver and gold leaf. The wrought iron entrance canopy and terrazzo sidewalk outside are also notable. The Garfield Building has been vacant since 1991.

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Another Claud Beelman building, this one built in 1929. There is a lovely terra cotta grill above entryway and above the first story; the lobby is also worth checking out for the Art Deco detailing.

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This building was designed by Claud Beelman and opened as a retail center for the Eastern Outfitting Company and Columbia Outfitting Company in 1930. The funding for this structure came from Adolph Sieroty, a polish immigrant who started a clock store which quickly grew into these large furniture and clothing businesses. The department stores here closed in 1957, after this the building was used for office space for half a century. In 2004 the Kor Group acquired the place; they renovated it into the current condominium space. This Art Deco masterpiece sheathed with turquoise terra cotta tile is one of the more lovely buildings in the downtown area.

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With a daily circulation of more than one million readers, the Los Angeles Times is by far the most popular newspaper in the Southland. Situated on the outskirts of downtown, the publication's headquarters is a massive building that was built in Modern style in 1935. The tour, which meets at the First Street entrance, is an educational trip through the entire publication process as well as a history of this storied American newspaper. Free tours of the original, historic plant are offered to the general public at 1:30p on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Groups of up to 20 can also schedule tours at 9:30a and 11a, as well as 1:30p Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. The tours last about 45 minutes, and no children under the age of 10 are admitted. Tours must be reserved at least a week ahead of time. Tours of the actual printing plant are also available; call for details and tour times. Parking is always free at the Times garage, located at 213 South Spring Street.

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Built in 1928, the 27-story Los Angeles City Hall was the tallest building in the city for more than 30 years. The structure's distinctive ziggurat tower was designed to resemble the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. The building has been featured in numerous films and television shows, but it is probably best known as the headquarters of the Daily Planet in the Superman TV series (or from Beverly Hills Cop, depending on your birth date). When it was built, City Hall was the sole exception to an ordinance outlawing buildings taller than 150 feet. While you're here, be sure to take the elevator to the rarely used 27th-floor Observation Deck -- on a clear day (yeah, right), you can see to Mount Wilson 15 miles away. Free docent-led tours are available at 10 and 11am Monday through Friday, and self-guided tours are available at other times. Call tel. 213/978-1995 for tour information.

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Union Station, completed in 1939, is one of the finest examples of California mission-style architecture and one of the last of America's great rail stations. It was built with the opulence and attention to detail that characterize 1930s WPA projects, such as its cathedral-like size and richly paneled ticket lobby and waiting area. When you're strolling through these grand historic halls, it's easy to imagine the glamorous movie stars who once boarded The City of Los Angeles and The Super Chief to journey back East during the glory days of rail travel; it's also easy to picture the many heartfelt reunions between returning soldiers and loved ones following the victorious end to World War II, in the station's heyday. Movies shot here include Bugsy, The Way We Were, and Blade Runner. There's always been a restaurant in the station; the latest to occupy this unusually beautiful setting is Traxx.

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Strongly reminiscent of an early 20th century ocean liner, this was indeed the intended effect of architect Robert V. Derrah. Consolidating five ordinary-looking industrial buildings, Derrah created a single structure with soothing streamlined forms, complete with hatch covers and portholes, and crowned by a flying bridge. There are also two giant replicas of Coke bottles flanking the building, which was once the company's headquarters. The interior of the building is not open to the public, but the exterior certainly warrants a visit.

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This historic Art Deco Sears building (listed in the National Historical Register of Historic places in 2006) is still a functional Sears store. In fact Sears recently signed a new 99-year lease on the front of the building. However, it remains a mystery what the remainder of the massive 1.8 million square feet building will be used for.

Built in 1927 as a store and regional distribution center for Sears, this place was used that capacity until 1991. At that point, Sears downsized its presence here to a retail storefront and sold the building. Since that time development of the site into a mixed use residential and retail center has been constantly under discussion. It remains unclear who will undertake the re-vitalization of this extremely large building. The site has lot going for it-it is right off the highway, immediately next to downtown L.A., and an important consumer outlet in the Boyle Heights neighborhood. The downside is so much capitol needed for a project of this size.

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According to a security guard, John Wayne and Redd Foxx once got into a fight here after Wayne refused to ride in the same limo as Foxx, who called the movie star a "redneck." Well, your NBC tour will probably be a bit more docile than that. The guided indoor walking tour includes a behind-the-scenes unstaged look at The Tonight Show with Jay Leno set; wardrobe, makeup, and set-building departments; and several sound studios. In fact, NBC is the only TV studio that offers the public a behind-the-scenes look at the inner workings of its television operation, and it's a lot less expensive than the competition's studio tours. Granted, it doesn't have the cachet of a major motion picture studio tour, but it's entertaining nonetheless.

Tours depart at the top of the hour Monday through Friday from 9am to 3pm, and tickets are sold at the Guest Relations Department (bring cash -- they don't take credit cards). Also, this is one of the few studio tours that doesn't have a minimum age requirement. Note: Before you make the drive to Burbank be sure to call the studio and make sure tours are being offered that day and aren't already sold out.

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During its heyday, this sprawling department store was dubbed the "Cathedral of Commerce." Opened in 1929, the Bullocks Wilshire Building was one of the most impressive consumer centers that the city had ever seen, an art deco masterpiece adorned with chrome, marble, leather and crystal. The building has since garnered a place on the National Register of Historic Places. It has now been restored and re-opened as the Law Library of the Southwestern Law School. The building is open to the public only periodically throughout the year; call the number listed below for recorded information on upcoming tours.

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Made world-famous in the film Rebel Without a Cause, Griffith Observatory's bronze domes have been Hollywood Hills landmarks since 1935. Closed for renovation for what seemed like forever, it finally reopened in November of 2006 after a $93-million overhaul. The central dome houses the 300-seat Samuel Oschin Planetarium, where hourly screenings of a narrated half-hour projection show called "Centered in the Universe" reveal the stars and planets that are hidden from the naked eye by the city's ubiquitous lights and smog.

The observatory also features 60 space-related exhibits designed to "sparkle your imagination," the highlight being the largest astronomically accurate image ever produced -- a 20*152-foot porcelain enamel dazzler that's cleverly called "The Big Picture." It supposedly encompasses a million galaxies, but I lost count after 11. There's also a new 200-seat Leonard Nimoy Event Horizon Theater (go Spock!), a Wolfgang Puck "Café at the End of the Universe," and several Zeiss and solar telescopes for public use both day and night.

Truth be told, most locals never actually go inside the observatory; they come to this spot on the south slope of Mount Hollywood for the unparalleled...

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Constructed in 1929 in flamboyant art deco style, this marble and bronze theater was one of the most luxurious movie palaces during the golden years of Hollywood. The Academy Awards were held here between 1949 and 1959, when classics like "On The Waterfront" and "Singin' In The Rain" were awarded Oscars. Today, the theater is simply one of the best venues in the area to experience Broadway musicals and intimate concert performances. Plus, its amazing interior design, complete with huge chandeliers and vaulted ceilings, is still in prime condition after a renovation for the theater's 70th anniversary.

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This theater was opened in 1922 after King Tut's tomb was discovered in Egypt on November 26, 1922, and Egyptian fever was gripping the nation. "Robin Hood", starring Douglas Fairbanks, was the first film to show at the Egyptian. A year later, "The Ten Commandments" had its premiere there. It was eventually sold to American Cinematheque, who restored it to its original glory. Besides screening classic films, new independent films and documentaries, it also occasionally rents out the theater for special events, such as the premiere of "The Prince of Egypt", which re-opened the theater.

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This 1936 tower and outdoor complex was designed by Robert V. Derrah. This place was built as an outdoor shopping mall, with a central Streamline Moderne tower and center piece with additional buildings in Frech Provicial, Tudor, and Spanish Colonial styles. Now the place is populated by small offices and no longer features many retail establishments. The central 55 foot town topped by a rotating model of the earth remains a popular and compelling landmark; the Art Deco cruise-boat accents remain stylish even today. Another building by Robert V. Derrah is the downtown Streamline Coca-Cola building.

Our Local Expert Says:

Art Deco landmark built in 1929 by Leland A. Bryant

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Built in 1929, this hotel previously known as the Argyle, situated at the base of the Hollywood Hills, provides spectacular city views. The vast collection of film, books and Hollywood portraits at the hotel entices even the most casual observer to pause and browse. Join the ranks of Marilyn Monroe, John Wayne and others who have stayed here, and look around for familiar views from the many movies that were once filmed in this hotel. It is one of those spots where a sense of history clearly pervades the air. Valet parking is additional.

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This is certainly one of the more unique structures in Beverly Hills. Heavily reminiscent of Spain's master architect Antonio Gaudi, this home was built in the 1980s by art deco storeowner Don O'Neill. The house is a welcome architectural anomaly amidst the often-boring pseudo-classical style homes of Beverly Hills. Today, no tours are given, but it is still an interesting place to check out from the outside.

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Another restored relic of L.A.'s old Art Deco movie theaters, this small venue holds about 1,500 for such performers as Lucinda Williams and The Aquabats. It offers upstairs and downstairs views of the stage, but plan on standing all night as there are usually no seats available.

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This venue traces its beginnings back to the 1930s, when it started out as a humble bakery that shut shop in 1969. Now owned and transformed by Walter N. Marks Inc., the lot has emerged a premier shopping complex, with various retailers, including the huge HD Buttercup, two restaurants-Beacon and La Dijonaise-and a Jazz Bakery, no less! Visit this neighborhood landmark for a day of pleasant shopping. Hours and credit cards vary by store.

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A recent $30 million renovation has made this iconic Santa Monica hotel even more luxurious and impressive. Within walking distance of Santa Monica Pier, and a short drive from Rodeo drive, the Getty and Malibu, the Hotel Shangri-La is ideally located. Sweeping ocean views, a gourmet restaurant, an elevated pool and cabanas and a rooftop bar complete its "air of playful exclusivity."

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Housed in a former 1920s Renaissance Revival beach club, this Art Deco stunner is a real dream of a resort hotel, equal in every respect to its sister resort, Shutters, located across the street . Which one you prefer depends on your personal sense of style. While Shutters is outfitted like a chic East Coast beach house, this impeccable, villa-like structure radiates period glamour. The building's U-shape awards ocean views to most of the guest rooms, which have summery, European-inspired decor plus abundant luxuries that include sumptuously dressed beds and big Italian marble bathrooms. Rooms are laid out for relaxation, not business, so travelers with work on their minds should stay elsewhere. Downstairs you'll find a big, elegant living room with ocean views, a stylish veranda lounge, and the Catch Restaurant, which has earned justifiable kudos for its beautiful setting, great service, and seasonal seafood.

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The Warner Grand Theatre located in San Pedro is placed in a magnificent art-deco building and is one of the last remaining theaters which have been left untouched. This opulent theater hosts the San Diego Opera and is rated as one of the best in the country. The building also plays host to a number of foreign film screenings and live performances. The venue is renowned for its musicals, jazz concerts, operas and orchestras.

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Long rumored to be haunted, the Queen Mary is a 1019 foot boat that has come to symbolize the city of Long Beach, just south of Los Angeles. The Queen Mary is a retired luxury liner bigger than the Titanic, though less tragic. It has been permanently moored in Long Beach Harbor since 1967 and gone through multiple tourist incarnations. Visitors to the Queen Mary can join a guided tour or book a room in the lower decks which have been converted into a hotel. The Queen Mary is visible from most of Long Beach and is the city's preeminent attraction. Films such as "The Poseidon Adventure" have profited from the Queen Mary's beautiful Art Deco design. Nearby attractions like the Aquarium of the Pacific ensure that a day in Long Beach is not to be missed.