Built-in Art Deco style, this observatory was built in the early 1930s and is a highlight among the landmarks in Southern California. See incredible light shows at the Oschin Planetarium, which puts to use the latest technology. Outside the observatory, you'll find sweeping views of the nearby area that are breathtaking during the day and at night as well. Exhibits and planetarium shows will fascinate visitors. Some visitors might recognize the observatory as the site where the climax of Rebel Without a Cause was filmed. On clear nights take advantage of the free public telescopes to see the stars up close.
J. Paul Getty Museum at the Getty Center is a museum you can't miss while visiting the city. The center stores a varied art forms, sculptures, and photographs from Europe and America. You can also check out old manuscripts and decorative art here. Highlights consist of Italian manuscripts from the Middle Ages and Renaissance, Rembrandt's Late Religious Portraits, among others. Set aside a day for this museum with it's Central Gardens and popular restaurant which are sure to leave you breathless with their beauty.
Located in beautiful Griffith Park and given to the City of Los Angeles as a gift in 1896, the Greek Theater is an outdoor concert venue you must experience while staying in L.A. Though it can seat more than 6,000 patrons, you may never again enjoy such a truly intimate setting for listening to one of your favorite performers. Surrounded by trees, the space offers outstanding acoustics. Whether you prefer classical music, rock, easy listening or jazz, you'll love this place. Ticket prices vary widely and can often be somewhat expensive. Depending on the time of year, you'll probably want to bring along a sweater or jacket, since you'll be seated outdoors in a city that can get a bit chilly in the evenings. On show nights the box office remains open for 30 minutes before the show.
Since its inception in 1961, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) has been devoted to collecting works of art that span both history and geography. Today, the museum features particularly strong collections of Asian, Latin American, European, and American art, as well as a contemporary museum on its campus, Broad Contemporary Art Museum (BCAM). With this expanded space for contemporary art, innovative collaborations with artists, and an ongoing transformation project, LACMA is creating a truly modern lens through which to view its rich encyclopedic collection of more than 100,000 works. With this much to explore, they encourage you to spend an entire day with them.
Since 1913 this museum has been delighting people of all ages with entertaining exhibits about our world, both natural and cultural. Visit such wonders as the rarest shark in the world, a zoo full of insects and 20 complete dinosaur skeletons. A number of special exhibits are presented throughout the year.
After the Palace Theatre was converted for silent films, the Orpheum vaudeville circuit moved here for its remaining years. Like the Los Angeles Theatre, it emulates the opulence of a French palace, with a marble lobby, a gold gilt ceiling, and a rare organ. One of the landmarks in the region, the theatre continues to host multiple events, shows and concerts. Tickets can be booked online or at the box office, one hour prior to the show.
The Ronald F. Deaton Civic Auditorium is housed within the LAPD headquarters in the heart of downtown Los Angeles. The auditorium frequently hosts local conferences, charitable events, art exhibitions, plays, musicals, and other local and cultural events. The venue is spacious with comfortable seating, top-notch sound and light systems, and an intimate ambiance that ensures a pleasant time here.
The Blue Whale venue opens their doors from Mondays through Saturdays from 8p onwards.
You know that any club featuring bands called Vomit Bomb and The Pukers on the same night probably isn't a place to take the parents. The Smell is a small, bare-bones warehouse showcasing the best of underground art and music. The club name possibly derives from the musty aroma that hangs in the air as a result of many sweaty people jammed into such limited space, or perhaps it's a reference to the less-than-glamorous location. Leave your delicate sensibilities at home and enjoy fresh talent. Shows are for all ages, so alcohol isn't on the menu but vegan snacks and tea are!
Tucked away in the Little Tokyo area of downtown Los Angeles, this ultra modern movie theater is known for showing indie films and hosting special events. The Downtown Independent, aside from being a movie theater, is an architecturally stunning venue with steel and glass sleek-shaped cube design that opened after a huge renovation in 2007. This space features just one theater with 250 comfortable seats. Beer is sold at the concession stand, making it far from a usual movie theater.