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Best Buildings or Works of Architecture In Los Angeles

walt disney concert hall 610 header
(credit: Federico Zignani)

Home to a broad range of buildings built from its inception, Los Angeles offers some of the most unique, modern and historical works of architecture. In more than just height, the city has gorgeous and all around magnificent places to check out right in our backyard. Don't miss out on these the next time you're exploring the city.

LATimesBuilding los angeles
(credit: Minnaert/Wikipedia)

Los Angeles Times Building
202 W. 1st St.
Los Angeles, CA
(213) 237-5757
www.latimes.com

Seeing the completion of the LA Times Building in 1935, architect Gordon B. Kaufmann created this historical building in a late art deco design style, called art moderne. Steeped in the history of 20th-century journalism, the Los Angeles Times began publishing in 1881, and by 2008 it became the fourth-leading newspaper in the country. Under Harry Chandler's leadership the Times defined the City of Angeles. He called the then new building a "monument to the progress of our city." Today, the building continues to publish and distribute the Times throughout the Southland as the paper moves into the 21st century. Reservations are required (must be 10 years of age or older).

The Walt Disney Concert Hall is one of downtown's newer tourist attactions.
(credit: L.A. County Music Center)

Disney Concert Hall
111 S. Grand Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 972-4399
www.disneyhall.org

Located in Downtown, architect Frank Gehry created one of the most unique buildings in the world in the Walt Disney Concert Hall. Silver oddly shaped spires and cubes combine with Yasuhisa Toyota's acoustical design genius to create a new iconic landmark in downtown. Finished in 2003, the concert hall is L.A.'s home for the Master Chorale and Philharmonic Orchestra. In a tribute to her husband, the late Lillian Disney grant funded the project as a tribute to Walt Disney's love of the arts.

Related: A Guide To The Walt Disney Concert Hall

Inner-City Arts
(credit: G.C./Yelp)

Inner City Arts
720 Kohler St.
Los Angeles, CA 90021
(213) 627-9621
www.inner-cityarts.org

More than an exceptional architectural work, Inner City Arts is a haven for learning and creativity, right in the heart of Skid Row. Serving the children of the inner city through arts education, the center's programs are designed to build a safer community in Los Angeles. Designed by Michael Maltzan, construction was completed in 2008. Together with businessman Irwin Jaeger and artist Bob Bates the trio created the shelter from the mean streets of skid row. The native Los Angelino is known for his work for the less fortunate. He has worked for more than a decade on projects for the homeless and poor. Tours are by appointment only.

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(credit: Bradbury Building)

The Bradbury Building
304 S. Broadway
Los Angeles, CA
(213) 626-1893
www.laconservancy.org

Completed in 1893, The Bradbury was designed by architect George Wyman, only after he consulted the ghost of his brother via a Ouija board. The spirit communicated to him it would be "successful." Mining millionaire and developer Lewis Bradbury constructed the Italian Renaissance Revival building with an interior atrium. Inside, the five floors feature ornamental cast-iron railings surrounding the center court with the sun shining in through glass skylights. Open to the public by day, visitors may explore the first floor. The building was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1977, and the upper floors serve as the Los Angeles Police Department's Internal Affairs division.

Related: The Coolest Buildings in Los Angeles

grauman
(credit: Grauman's Chinese Theater)

Grauman's Egyptian Theatre
6712 Hollywood Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90028
(323) 466-3456
egyptiantheatre.com

The Egyptian was recently revitalized and holds true to the original 1922 motif. Egyptian Revival is an architectural style that goes back to the Napoleonic era characterized by ancient Egyptian images and architecture. The theater shows an eclectic mix of historical, art and era-driven films. Financed by developer Charles Toberman with then-celebrity Sid Grauman, the building took 18 months to build, costing more than $800,000. The architectural firm Meyer & Holler designed the original theater. The Hollywood landmark was an icon in the early heydays of film, and it continues to be a center of Los Angeles art culture.

Robert Cuthbert is a freelance writer covering all things Los Angeles. His work can be found on Examiner.com.

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