854 California Ave, Los Angeles, is a hub of fascinating historical landmarks. Let's dive into the trivia and hidden facts of some of the most notable spots in this area.
The Griffith Observatory
Perched on the southern slope of Mount Hollywood in Griffith Park, the Griffith Observatory is an iconic L.A. institution. Opened in 1935, it was funded by Griffith J. Griffith, who had a passion for making astronomy accessible to the public. Fun fact: Griffith also donated the land for Griffith Park itself. The observatory has appeared in numerous films, including "Rebel Without a Cause" starring James Dean.
The Hollywood Sign
Originally erected in 1923, the Hollywood Sign initially read "Hollywoodland" to promote a real estate development. The sign's original purpose was not so glamorous, but it quickly became a symbol of the burgeoning film industry. In 1949, the "land" portion was removed, and the sign was restored to its now-iconic status.
The Bradbury Building
The Bradbury Building, located at 304 South Broadway, is one of L.A.'s oldest commercial buildings, completed in 1893. Designed by George Wyman, who was inspired by Edward Bellamy’s science fiction novel Looking Backward, the Bradbury Building features a stunning Victorian interior with an open cage elevator and intricate ironwork. The building has been a backdrop for movies like "Blade Runner" and "500 Days of Summer."
The Los Angeles Theatre
Built in 1931, the Los Angeles Theatre on Broadway was the most lavish of its time. It was inaugurated with the premiere of Charlie Chaplin's "City Lights." The theatre's opulent French Baroque interior includes crystal chandeliers, marble staircases, and a stunning fountain in the lobby.
The Getty Center
The Getty Center, located in the Brentwood neighborhood, is a campus of the Getty Museum and other programs of the Getty Trust. Opened in 1997, it is famous for its architecture, gardens, and views overlooking Los Angeles. The center was designed by architect Richard Meier and houses an impressive collection of European paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts.
Union Station
Opened in 1939, Union Station is the largest railroad passenger terminal in the Western United States. This station blends Spanish Colonial, Mission Revival, and Streamline Moderne architectural styles. Fun fact: It has appeared in numerous films and TV shows, including "Blade Runner" and "Catch Me If You Can."
The La Brea Tar Pits
The La Brea Tar Pits are a group of tar pits around which Hancock Park was formed. Natural asphalt has seeped up from the ground in this area for tens of thousands of years, preserving the bones of trapped prehistoric animals. The adjacent museum displays fossils from the site, including mammoths and saber-toothed cats.
The Watts Towers
The Watts Towers, located at 1765 East 107th Street in the Watts neighborhood, are a collection of 17 interconnected sculptural structures made of steel and mortar, adorned with mosaic tiles, glass, and shells. They were built by Italian immigrant Simon Rodia over a period of 33 years, from 1921 to 1954. The tallest tower reaches a height of over 99 feet.
The TCL Chinese Theatre
Originally known as Grauman's Chinese Theatre, the TCL Chinese Theatre opened in 1927 and is renowned for its distinctive architecture and the handprints and footprints of Hollywood stars embedded in the concrete of its forecourt. The theater has hosted numerous movie premieres, including the 1977 premiere of "Star Wars."
The Griffith Park Merry-Go-Round
Located within Griffith Park, the Griffith Park Merry-Go-Round has been delighting visitors since 1937. Walt Disney often brought his daughters here, and it’s said that the merry-go-round inspired him to create Disneyland. The carousel features 68 intricately carved horses and plays music from a Stinson 165 Military Band Organ.
The Los Angeles Central Library
The Los Angeles Central Library, an architectural gem located at 630 West 5th Street, was completed in 1926. Designed by Bertram Goodhue, the building combines ancient Egyptian and Mediterranean Revival styles. The library's interior features stunning murals, mosaics, and a globe chandelier in the rotunda.
The Hollywood Walk of Fame
Running along 15 blocks of Hollywood Boulevard and three blocks of Vine Street, the Hollywood Walk of Fame honors more than 2,600 stars from the entertainment industry. Established in 1960, it includes stars for actors, musicians, directors, producers, and even fictional characters. Mickey Mouse was the first animated character to receive a star in 1978.
The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum is an iconic sports stadium that has hosted two Summer Olympics (1932 and 1984), Super Bowls, and World Series games. Opened in 1923, the Coliseum is located in Exposition Park and serves as the home stadium for the University of Southern California Trojans football team.
The Chateau Marmont
The Chateau Marmont, located at 8221 Sunset Boulevard, is a historic hotel known for its celebrity clientele and Hollywood lore. Built in 1929, the hotel’s design was inspired by the Château d'Amboise in France. The Chateau Marmont has been the site of numerous legendary parties and has housed stars like Greta Garbo and John Belushi.
The Echo Park Lake
Echo Park Lake, located at 751 Echo Park Avenue, is a historic park established in 1892. The lake is famous for its lotus flowers and has been a popular filming location for movies such as "Chinatown" and "Training Day." The park offers paddleboat rentals and hosts the annual Lotus Festival, celebrating the blooming of the lotus flowers.
Explore these landmarks, and you'll uncover the rich tapestry of Los Angeles' history and culture!