Diversity is one of the best qualities of the city of Los Angeles but its not just with the people.
Our great city also has some of the most diverse and unique architecture of any city. Every neighborhood, no matter where you go, you will find fabulous architectural displays to marvel at.
Want some examples? How about the many influences in architectural designs, from Spanish, Art Deco, Colonial, Victorian, Mid -Century Modern and even futuristic inspired buildings make our city one of a kind.
Here we have compiled 5 of our favorite unique architecture displays for you. So take a tour and enjoy the city of Los Angeles architecture!
1 – Getty Villa
Description:
The Getty Center is all about art and spectacular architecture. This Center branch of the Getty Museum (there is also a Getty Villa in Malibu) showcases pre-20th-century European paintings, drawings, sculptures, and photographs from the 1830s through present day from all over the world.
Delight yourself with your significant other or just your friends by walking around the Getty. It’s an immersion to a world of beauty and remarkable art everywhere you look.
If you appreciate architecture and culture, we recommend you take a long walk not just appreciating the art and the view but the amazing Architecture as well.
Location:
17985 Pacific Coast Hwy, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
CREDIT:@travelvoyageluxing
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Like most popular landmarks in Los Angels you want to go early. Whether weekend or weekday you will have less crowds, better parking and more room to roam around very early in the day. As the late afternoon comes on the museum gets more packed and its not as enjoyable.
2 – The Watts Tower
Description:
It has a couple of names, The Watts Towers, Towers of Simon Rodia, or Nuestro Pueblo but whatever name you choose to call it, one thing is clear, its one of the most unique structures in all of Los Angeles.
The Watts Towers are a collection of 17 interconnected hand sculpted towers by an Italian immigrant construction worker and tile mason named Simon Rodia.
Mr. Rodia worked diligently for over a period of 33 years from 1921 to 1954 to construct it.
Many thought him crazy or at least very odd when he dedicated so much time and passion to his project but now years later the Towers are designated as National Historic Landmark and a California Historical Landmark and draws tourist visitors daily.
Location:1727 E 107th St, Los Angeles, CA 90002
PIC Credit: @raych77
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You are free to visit the outside of the Watts Towers at anytime. But if you want to hear more the history you can also take advantage of a free guided tour.
As of this writing they are offered every half hour Thursday – Sunday during their regular hours. You can see updated schedule here
3 – Capitol Records
Description:
Capital Records used to rule the Music world and its home base was the amazing signature building overlooking Hollywood Boulevard.
The 13-story tower was constructed to resemble a stack of records, and was the first circular office building in the world when it first hit the scene in 1956.
The Capital Records building not only makes our list because of that one a kind architecture but also its rich, rich history in the Music Industry. From Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Neil Diamond, The Eagles, Paul McCartney, the Beach Boys and so many other legends.
Location:1750 Vine St, Los Angeles, CA 90028
PIC Credit:@sinatra.life
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Every Christmas season the Capital Records building steps it up a bit more. A gorgeous Christmas Tree is perched on top and lights up the night sky.
It makes for a breathtaking pic of this iconic gem overlooking Hollywood.
4 – Walt Disney Concert Hall
Description:
The Walt Disney Concert Hall at the Music Center in Downtown LA was designed by famed architect legend Frank Gehry. When it launched in 2003 it immediately became an LA landmark and received universal praise from fans of architecture and live orchestra music alike.
In 1987, Lillian Disney (the widow of Walt Disney) donated $50m to “build a world-class performance venue as a gift to the people of Los Angeles and a tribute to Walt Disney’s devotion to the arts”.
Unfortunately she died in 1997, years before the Concert Hall was complete. But if she were alive to experience Frank Gerhy’s master creation she would no doubt appreciate all the joy it has brought Angelenos and the amazement it embodies worthy of the imagination of Walt Disney himself.
Location:111 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012
PIC Credit:@johngollings
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Most people only think of going to the Disney Concert Hall for a concert (of course). But it also is a great LA landmark to just visit and take in all the magic of the building.
You can walk around on your own or visit as part of a free 90-minute guided tour of the whole Music Center campus or a 60-minute guided tour of just the Disney Concert Hall itself.
5 – The Bradbury Building
Description:
The Bradbury Building is not only one of the most unique but also one of the most breathtaking buildings in all of Los Angeles. This historic light-filled Victorian beauty was built way back in 1893(!) and has been wowing visitors ever since.
As soon as you walk in you will marvel at the interior with its spectacular detail transporting you back in time. Ornate iron railings, marble stairs, Mexican tile, bird-cage style elevators making it one of the most unique architectures you can find in the country let alone L.A.
Location:304 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90013
PIC Credit:@timeoutla
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If you want to see the inside of the famous Bradbury Building there is good news and bad news. The good news is that its open daily at 9AM to the public and there is no admission charge. The bad news?
Visitors are only allowed in the lobby area and on the first stair landing because it is still a working building with tenants. However more good news!
There are different DTLA walking tours that include the Bradbury Building and you will get a little more access on them.