Among the places to visit in Los Angeles, there are also its many monuments, palaces, and well-crafted buildings. Here, renowned architects and artists have contributed to shaping the city’s landscape with their modern creations, from the futuristic buildings by Frank Gehry (such as the Walt Disney Concert Hall) to the steel sculptures clad in found materials by Simon Rodia (the Watts Towers). But in Los Angeles, there is also room for historic buildings, such as the splendid Union Station from 1939, which has served as a backdrop for numerous films, including Blade Runner (if you’re a fan of the movie, there’s also another building featured in the film, the Bradbury Building), or the Los Angeles City Hall, the municipal building constructed in 1926.
What are the most representative buildings and monuments in Los Angeles? Here’s our selection:
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Union Station
Built in 1939, Union Station is the largest railway station in the western United States. In addition to being a major transportation hub, it is an example of truly unique architecture, combining Spanish Colonial, Mission Revival, and Art Deco styles. It has been featured in many films and houses several works of art. Additionally, the station hosts events and offers guided tours to learn about the building’s history and its role over the years. It can be said that Union Station is much more than just a station for Los Angeles and it’s worth a visit even if you’re not taking a train.
- Location: 800 N Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA (directions)
Los Angeles City Hall
Los Angeles City Hall is another must-see landmark when visiting the city. Built in the Art Deco style with interiors inspired by European classicism, it has the distinction of being the tallest building in the city until 1964. There was a restriction on constructing buildings taller than 150 feet, but an exception was made for the City Hall, which stands at 453 feet. Today, of course, that restriction no longer applies, but this 1928 building remains the tallest structure with seismic isolators in the world. Apart from being beautiful to visit, the City Hall also features an observation deck that offers a splendid view of the city. It’s one of the best places to admire the skyline of the City of Angels.
- Location: 200 N Spring St, Los Angeles, CA (directions)
Los Angeles City Hall Visitor’s Guide
Walt Disney Concert Hall
The Walt Disney Concert Hall is one of the most important concert halls in the city, but it is more than that. It is a true masterpiece of modern architecture, with its smooth and extravagant forms standing out among the rectangular high-rise buildings of the metropolis. It was designed by Frank Gehry, the architect also known for the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, which shares a similar style. The best way to experience the Walt Disney Concert Hall is undoubtedly by attending a performance. The structure is not only beautiful but also designed to have exceptional acoustics, making a concert here truly special. Additionally, there is a panoramic garden on the third floor.
- Location: 111 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA (directions)
Walt Disney Concert Hall Visitor’s Guide
Watts Towers
Five towers with 17 steel spires, adorned with colored glass, ceramics, stones, and seashells. These are the Watts Towers: a grand and peculiar artistic composition created over the course of 30 years by an Italian immigrant, using makeshift materials. They can be seen from the street and are one of the most curious attractions in the city. Equally intriguing is the story behind them, not only of their construction but also of the preservation of these towers. The city authorities wanted to demolish them, but it was not the creator himself, but a large group of devoted citizens who had grown fond of these towers, who fiercely defended them, even organizing demonstrations to showcase their resilience against earthquakes and strong winds. Now, the city of Los Angeles preserves them as an urban artwork.
- Location: 1727 E 107th St, Los Angeles, CA (directions)
Bradbury Building
The oldest building in Los Angeles, erected in 1893, is the Bradbury Building. Located in downtown, this red-brick structure stands tall and is famous for its interior illuminated by a large skylight. It has been featured in various films, most notably Ridley Scott’s Blade Runner, and today it primarily houses government offices or offices of large companies like Marvel and Red Line. Only a portion of the building is accessible to the public, and entry is free. Stepping inside feels like stepping into a movie. The architect himself, George Wyman, drew inspiration from a science fiction novel that described a similar building in a dystopian society.
- Location: 304 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA (directions)
Bradbury Building Visitor’s Guide
TCL Chinese Theatre
While strolling along Hollywood Boulevard, one encounters one of the most extravagant and famous cinemas in the world: the TCL Chinese Theatre. Designed by Sidney Patrick Grauman and built in 1927, it is inspired by Chinese pagodas and adorned with dragons, masks, and two majestic stone lions imported from China. Despite being a century old, it is not just an old theater, but a cutting-edge cinema that is constantly evolving. It houses the world’s largest IMAX theater with 932 seats. For those passing through Los Angeles and wanting to watch a movie in the theater, doing so at the Chinese Theatre is an opportunity to combine film viewing with a visit to a historic and iconic building. Additionally, guided tours are available to discover the history and fascinating anecdotes about this unique cinema.
- Location: 6925 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, CA (directions)
TCL Chinese Theatre Visitor’s Guide
Crossroad of the World
Sunset Boulevard is one of the most famous streets in the city, and no visit to Los Angeles is complete without exploring at least a portion of it. While walking along this iconic “Boulevard of Sunset,” one comes across a tower crowned with a globe and the inscription “Crossroads Of The World.” This marks the entrance to an area that was opened in 1936 as America’s first outdoor shopping center. At its heart is a central building, designed in the shape of an ocean liner, surrounded by a series of low bungalow-style buildings. Today, there are no longer shops, but rather private offices located in this area.
- Location: 6671 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA (directions)
Million Dollar Theater
The Million Dollar Theatre is among the earliest movie theaters built in Los Angeles. It opened to the public in 1917 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Today, it serves as a venue for events and films. Located across from the Bradbury Building, it was designed by Grauman, the same architect who later designed the Egyptian Theatre and the Chinese Theatre. The façade showcases Spanish Colonial Revival style, adorned with intricate decorations and statues. For a long period, it was a hub for Spanish-language entertainment and later for Mexican mariachi music.
- Location: 307 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA (directions)
Bullocks Wilshire Building
Built in 1929, this Art Deco palace was originally established as the luxury department store for the Bullock’s chain of department stores. The Bullocks Wilshire Building stands out with its striking 239-feet tower, topped with a copper-clad pinnacle that catches the eye with its green color. It’s also interesting to note that the entrance features a stylized relief designed by George Stanley, the same artist who created the Oscar statuette. After undergoing changes in its purpose and being affected by three fires, the building was acquired by the Southwestern Law School in 1994, which restored it to its original state.
- Location: 3050 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA (directions)
Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels
The major Catholic place of worship in Los Angeles is the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels. This enormous postmodern church replaced the previous Santa Bibiana Cathedral, which was damaged in the 1994 earthquake. It took five years to construct, from 1998 to 2002. The construction costs were exorbitant, reaching around $190 million, which sparked some criticism. However, the result is undoubtedly impressive. The lower level of the cathedral features a mausoleum with 1,270 crypts and 4,746 niches for burials.
- Location: 555 W Temple St, Los Angeles, CA (directions)