Enjoying Art Deco in LA

There is something compelling about the 1920’s and 1930’s. Who doesn’t like to imagine themselves dancing the Charleston to some live jazz music? Although the era has passed, much of the architecture remains and is known as Art Deco.

Here are a few of my favorite buildings in the LA area that will bring you back to the roaring twenties, even if just for a moment or two.

Union Station

Completed in 1939, this station is the largest passenger train station in the Western US. Although not pure Art Deco, the subtle art deco features mixed with Mission Revival and Spanish Colonial Revival influences make it spectacular. This station will remind you of the romanticism of traveling by train.

City Hall

Finished in 1928, the exterior of city hall’s pyramid tower with a ziggurat top is purely Art Deco. An interesting fact is that the tower was built with concrete mixed with sand from each county in California. Head to the 27th floor for the free open-air observatory to get a great view of the city.

LA Times Headquarters

You won’t want to miss the Globe Lobby. Here you will see Hugo Ballin’s 10-foot murals.

Oviatt Building

It is the glass in this building that catches the eye the most. You’ll see some incredible Lalique glass doors as well as a glass ceiling. In addition to the glass, you will marvel at the tile, marble, copper, nickel, and zinc.

Eastern Columbia Building

Designed by Claud Beelman, this beautiful building is known for its entrance with a terra cotta sunburst, as well as the gold-trimmed clock tower. To see the clock at eye level, head over to the Broadway Trade Center.

Bonus!

For those wanting to see some Art Deco without leaving the Westside, head on over to Santa Monica to see the Bay Cities Guaranty Building. This 12-story building was the tallest building in the area until the 1970’s. Like the Eastern Columbia building, it has beautiful terra cotta work as well as a clock at the top.

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