Historic Landmarks of Venice: Stories Behind the Buildings, Venice, Los Angeles, US
Venice, Los Angeles, isn't just a hotspot for surfers and artists; it's a treasure trove of historical landmarks with stories as colorful as the murals that line its streets.
Venice Canals
Originally envisioned by Abbot Kinney, the Venice Canals were intended to replicate the famous canals of Venice, Italy. Opened in 1905, they were a hit with tourists and locals alike. Fun fact: at one point, gondoliers sang opera while paddling through the canals! Over time, many canals were filled in to make way for roads, but a revitalization project in the 1990s restored what remained, adding a touch of old-world charm to modern-day Venice.
Venice Beach Boardwalk
The Venice Beach Boardwalk is a kaleidoscope of street performers, vendors, and murals. Opened in 1905, it was initially a pedestrian-only promenade. Did you know it was once home to the "Venice Miniature Railway," a short-lived attraction featuring miniature steam trains? Today, it's a bustling hub where you might spot a chainsaw juggler or a roller-skating guitarist.
Muscle Beach
Muscle Beach, established in the 1930s, is the birthplace of the fitness boom. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Lou Ferrigno pumped iron here before becoming household names. The original Muscle Beach was actually in Santa Monica, but Venice's version became the iconic spot for bodybuilders. Trivia time: during the 1950s, Muscle Beach hosted bodybuilding contests that drew massive crowds, long before fitness competitions became mainstream.
Venice Pier
The Venice Pier has its own dramatic history. The first pier, known as the "Grand Pier," opened in 1905 but was destroyed by a storm in 1920. The current pier, rebuilt in 1965, stretches 1,310 feet into the Pacific Ocean. It's a favorite spot for fishing and sunset watching. Hidden fact: the pier was used as a filming location for classic TV shows like Baywatch and Beverly Hills, 90210.
Pacific Electric Red Cars
Venice was once connected to downtown Los Angeles by the Pacific Electric Red Cars, a network of trolley cars that made beach access easy for city dwellers. The trolley system, launched in 1905, was dismantled in the 1950s, but remnants like old tracks and signage can still be spotted around Venice. These trolleys were central to the development of Venice as a bustling seaside resort.
Windward Avenue
Windward Avenue is the main street of Venice and arguably its most historic. It was designed to be Venice’s commercial heart and featured a replica of St. Mark's Campanile in Venice, Italy. The avenue was also home to the Venice Amusement Pier, an early 20th-century marvel that included a dance hall, roller coaster, and even a mini zoo. While the pier is long gone, the street still buzzes with activity and retains its old-world charm.
Venice High School
Established in 1911, Venice High School is not just an educational institution but a Hollywood star. Its facade was featured in the film Grease as Rydell High. The school is also home to the "Statue of Myrna Loy," a sculpture of the famous actress who attended Venice High. Fun trivia: during World War II, the school was used as a training ground for military personnel.
Binoculars Building
Designed by Frank Gehry, the Binoculars Building is one of Venice's quirkiest landmarks. Originally built for the Chiat/Day advertising agency, the building's entrance is a pair of giant binoculars, designed by Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen. Today, it's leased by Google, adding a tech twist to this architectural oddity. Hidden fact: the binoculars double as a conference room!
Abbot Kinney Boulevard
Named after Venice's founder, Abbot Kinney Boulevard is a trendy shopping street with a storied past. It was originally called Washington Boulevard but was renamed in 1990 to honor Kinney. The boulevard features a mix of historic buildings and modern boutiques. Fun fact: the street hosts the annual "Abbot Kinney Festival," a celebration of local art, music, and food that attracts thousands of visitors.
Venice Post Office
Built in 1939, the Venice Post Office is a New Deal-era building adorned with a mural by artist Edward Biberman. The mural, titled "Story of Venice," depicts Abbot Kinney and the development of Venice. It's a beautiful slice of history that you can still see today. Trivia: the post office building was almost sold off in 2012, but community efforts helped preserve it as a historic landmark.