Art trip: Los Angeles
Los Angeles is one of those places that London has lots of direct flight links with, meaning that flight prices are often a bargain, especially in the winter. LA makes a perfect London escape during the gray months, and I had the pleasure of visiting my sister there last February.
Art may not be the first thing you think of when you think of LA (for me its tacos) but the city is full of incredible art world destinations. But LA is also different to most other cities in its geographic spread; a car is required and it can take a long time to travel between areas with the city’s notorious traffic. This guide organises my top art recommendations by area, helping you to plan individual days out. The primary focus will be on Central LA, Pasadena, Hollywood, Malibu, and Brentwood/Westwood.
Art, architecture and culture in Central Los Angeles
Walt Disney Concert Hall
Central LA is home to a diverse array of cultural and architectural landmarks that are worth visiting. One of the most iconic and recognisable buildings in the area is the Walt Disney Concert Hall. Designed by the famous architect Frank Gehry, the concert hall is a stunning piece of architecture that features a stainless steel exterior and is home to the Los Angeles Philharmonic. It’s a stunning example of postmodern architecture and so much fun to photograph.
MOCA and the Broad
Another must-see destination for art lovers is the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA). The museum is home to an extensive collection of contemporary art from around the world, including works by artists such as Jackson Pollock, Mark Rothko, and Jeff Koons.
The Broad is another contemporary art museum in the area, which is a destination for art lovers, the museum is home to a vast collection of contemporary art, including works by artists such as Jean-Michel Basquiat, and Yayoi Kusama.
Grand Central Market
For a taste of local history and culture, visit the Grand Central Market. This historic market has been a staple of the area for over 100 years and features a wide variety of vendors selling everything from fresh produce to artisanal goods. It took me ages to decide what to get here because there are endless delicious options. Certainly something for everyone!
The Last Bookstore
This independent bookstore features an extensive collection of books and a unique, labyrinthine layout that makes browsing its shelves a real adventure. This is really a must for any book lover.
Architectural treats: Bradbury Building, Angel’s Flight and the Library
The Bradbury Building is another architectural gem in Central LA. Built in 1893, the building is known for its ornate Victorian-style architecture and is featured in many films and TV shows. It’s the architectural office in 500 Days of Summer, which was a formative movie for me as a teen, so I was excited to see it.
Another unique attraction in Central LA is Angels Flight Railway. This funicular railway is a historic landmark that dates back to 1901, and connects the hillside neighbourhood of Bunker Hill to the street level. It's considered as the shortest railway in the world, covering a distance of only 298 feet (91 m). It provides a unique and exciting way to experience the city, with great views of downtown LA along the way. It’s a very short ride but so unique and fun to climb up the steep hill crammed in with a bunch of strangers!
Finally, the LA Central Library is a must-see destination for any history or architecture buff. The library's historic building is an architectural masterpiece and features a wide variety of books, maps, and other resources. I read The Library Book by Susan Orlean a few years ago, which chronicles the library’s fire in the 1980s, so was very intrigued to see the space.
Art and gardens in Pasadena
Huntington Library, Art Museum and Botanical Gardens
The Huntington is the main attraction in Pasadena and one can easily spend an entire day here (if not more). It is made up of an impressive library, several art museums and galleries, and extensive botanical gardens from Japanese to Australian. There is honestly so much to discover here, I can’t recommend it enough.
The Huntington Library is a research library that houses an extensive collection of rare books, manuscripts, and artworks. It also features several galleries where visitors can view rotating exhibitions of its collection. The library's collection includes many rare and valuable works, including a Gutenberg Bible and a first folio of Shakespeare's plays.
The Huntington Art Museum is also located on the grounds of the library, it features an extensive collection of American, European, and Asian art. The museum's collection includes everything from ancient artifacts to contemporary works, and visitors can expect to see artworks by famous artists such as Gainsborough, Turner, and Rembrandt.
The Huntington Botanical Gardens are also located on the grounds and they are considered one of the most beautiful and diverse botanical gardens in the world. The gardens feature over 14,000 different plant species from around the world, including a Japanese garden, a desert garden, and a Chinese garden. Visitors can also enjoy the many beautiful sculptures and architectural features throughout the gardens.
I felt like I travelled across the whole world on my day at the Huntington, from European art galleries to Japanese gardens to the desert.
Iconic art and architecture in Hollywood
Griffith Observatory
Hollywood is one of the most iconic neighbourhoods in Los Angeles and is known for its rich history and cultural attractions. One of the most popular destinations in Hollywood is the Griffith Observatory. This iconic observatory is located on the southern slope of Mount Hollywood and offers visitors a chance to learn about astronomy and the night sky. The observatory is also home to a planetarium, exhibits, and telescopes that visitors can use to view the stars. This is another place that is film-famous, and I had the songs from La La Land stuck in my head for days after being here. Pretty wonderful.
LACMA
Another must-see destination in Hollywood is the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA). This museum is one of the largest art museums in the United States and features a vast collection of art from around the world, including works by famous artists such as Picasso, Warhol, and Monet. Its also famous for the street lamp installation outside, full of historical street lamps from the city, which is free to access.
Craft Contemporary
Craft Contemporary is a museum that focuses on contemporary craft and design and features a diverse range of works from emerging and established artists. They also have a variety of workshops and classes for visitors to learn about different crafts. I sadly have not been able to go here yet, but their mission and offering sounds incredible.
West Hollywood Galleries
Hollywood is also home to many galleries that showcase contemporary art from established and emerging artists. West Hollywood Galleries are known for their vibrant arts scenes, and it's worth checking their websites and social media for upcoming exhibitions and events.
Some notable galleries in West Hollywood include:
Gagosian
David Kordansky Gallery
Matthew Marks Gallery
Honor Fraser
Brentwood and Westwood: Hammer Museum and the Getty
Hammer Museum
The Hammer Museum is located in Westwood and is considered one of the most important contemporary art museums in the region. The museum features a diverse collection of contemporary art and exhibitions, but also an impressive collection of European and American masters. The museum is also known for its public programs and lectures, which cover a wide range of topics related to contemporary art and culture.
The Getty Center
The Getty Center is located in Brentwood and is considered one of the most important art museums in the world. Located on a hilltop, the visit starts with an atmospheric ride up in a tram (with a custom soundtrack!) It is home to an extensive collection of sculptures, photographs, and manuscripts, as well as a research library and conservation lab. It has a truly wide array of art but is not overwhelming in its vastness. The Getty Center's architecture and gardens are also a must-see, and visitors can enjoy the panoramic views of the city. I was surprised at how incredible the garden was in February. It was a joy to explore the colours of the carefully planned, spiralling garden path.
Sun, sea, and history in Malibu
Malibu is a coastal city located in Los Angeles County, known for its beautiful beaches and scenic coastal views. Getty Villa is the art highlight of the area and a true gem. When I visited we drove to the Getty via Topanga Canyon, which I can’t recommend enough. Topanga is a neighborhood in the Santa Monica Mountains, it is known for its bohemian vibe, and for the beautiful nature that surrounds it. It’s a scenic drive, different to many in LA, and we stopped off for brunch at Cafe on 27 which had showstopping views and delicious food. It was a perfect start to a gorgeous day.
Getty Villa
One of the most popular attractions in Malibu is the Getty Villa. The Getty Villa is an art museum that is devoted to the arts and cultures of ancient Greece, Rome, and Etruria. The museum's collection includes a wide range of artifacts, including sculptures, frescoes, and pottery. It also features a variety of special exhibitions and events throughout the year. The Villa's architecture and gardens are also a must-see, and visitors can enjoy the panoramic views of the ocean.
The Getty Villa does an incredible job at transporting you to ancient Greece. The entire place is built up in a classical style, and the sunny atmosphere made me feel like I was stepping back in time when these objects were made. I absolutely love classical art, and really enjoyed taking in the glass bottles, jewellry and ceramics on display.
Point Dume
Point Dume is located on the coast of Malibu and is known for its beautiful beaches and scenic coastal views. Visitors can enjoy hiking, swimming, and sunbathing on the beach. There are also several lookout points where visitors can take in panoramic views of the ocean. At the time that I visited, a great expanse of these yellow flowers were blooming and were lit up like magic from the sunset. A beautiful, very California experience and a perfect end to the day in Malibu.
There you have it—a perfect itinerary for an art week in LA. Writing this post had me dreaming about my trip, and now I can’t wait for another visit.
