Mention Los Angeles to people and their reactions are as varied as the city’s neighborhoods. To some, it is the incarnation of the American Dream – the place where stars are born. Or, a sprawling car centric culture albeit one with panoramic vistas of the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Monica Mountains. Lately, many think of the burgeoning arts scene and the remarkable culinary diversity (no longer is the difference between LA and yogurt that [only] one has an active culture).
It would be impossible to even scratch the surface in one post or even a dozen, so I will concentrate on the areas I know best, starting with a walk along Grand Avenue, in the heart of downtown Los Angeles.
The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, a masterpiece by José Rafael Moneo is a good place to begin. An eleven-story building with virtually no right angles, the cathedral was completed in 2002 and Sunday mass is offered in 42 languages. The entrance is framed by exquisite bronze doors sculpted by Robert Graham.
Heading south, the Music Center plaza is home to four cultural institutions: Mark Taper Forum, Ahmanson Theater home of the Center Theater Group and others; Dorothy Chandler Pavilion where the LA Opera and dance companies perform; and Walt Disney Concert Hall , home of the LA Philharmonic and the Los Angeles Master Chorale.
Public art is everywhere (especially if architecture is included) and I love the Robert Graham piece shown above.
It would be impossible to miss Walt Disney Concert Hall – Frank Gehry‘s terrific tribute to the performing arts.
Next to Disney Hall, the new Broad Museum designed by Diller, Scofidio and Renfro is a feast for the eyes and admission is free. Across the street, don’t miss the wonderful Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) Los Angeles designed by Arata Isozaki with Nancy Rubins’ incredible sculpture anchoring the complex.
Continuing on, keep an eye out for the wonderful 1960 mural of telephone parts shown below.
Finish with a visit to the Los Angeles Library Central Branch in its fabulous 1926 building.
In a little over a mile, you will have covered almost a century of architecture and art! Stay tuned for more on this amazing city including (of course) my favorite places to eat!
travel magnolia 
Fabulous architecture, the doors,the concert hall, the sculptures, so much to see… thank you for sharing, just lovely!
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thank you Vicky! so many places to visit!
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wow!! awesome photos!!
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Thank. you. Not hard with such great subjects!
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Thoughtful piece and terrific photos!
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thank you! It’s a great city.
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You’re making me excited to go explore my own city!
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wait for me!
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Maggie, you captured downtown Los Angeles in the perfect way…love seeing from your perspective! By the way, the dolphins were frolicking at the beach yesterday…
what a special place we live in….
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Thanks Rosa! Dolphins, Mountain Lions and Pelicans all in one great metropolis!
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Such amazing photos! It’s fun to see such a different view of LA.
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Glad you enjoyed it!
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Thank you for the photo of the library! Richard’s family built it. LA is home to stunning architectural commissions, starting with the Greene Brothers and Bertram Goodhue, Neutra, A.Quincy Jones, Gehry, Maltzan and Johnson Favaro. It is the mecca of the new.
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How fun is that! Small world. Yes – LA is a mecca of the new and the old(er).
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I featured your blog in https://amanpan.com/2016/04/18/tuesday-chatter-24/
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Thank you for the share! I really appreciate it!
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You’re welcome!
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