The City of Art
What was once a barren streetscape is now bustling with tourists and residents who come to enjoy the area where traditional meets modern. We are talking about Downtown Los Angeles, where you can find skyscrapers rubbing shoulders with art museums, movie theaters, and, of course, fine dining and retail spots.
In fact, Downtown Los Angeles is going through a building boom with numerous projects lined up in both the residential and commercial sectors. There hasn’t been this much development since the 1920s, thus transforming LA into a place that can indeed be called The City of Art by paying tribute to art and its history via the numerous museums it houses. Let us take a look at some of them.
The Broad
This contemporary art museum in Grand Avenue is the ultimate destination for all the art lovers. Designed by Renfro and Diller Scofidio, the museum houses nearly 2000 artworks in the Broad collection, thereby making it among the most prominent holders of contemporary art worldwide. Admission to the museum is free; however, the waiting list is quite long, so you need to make reservations well in advance if you intend to visit this marvelous hub of art.
The Grammy Museum
Located in downtown Los Angeles, the Grammy Museum is a must visit for all music lovers, especially those interested in learning about the evolution of music. You will come across exhibits that enable you to revisit the history of music and various genres, as well as the technologies used to record and mix the songs you love. The museum also shows you how to play the instruments and use the technology to produce your own mix via the interactive activities. Tickets can be purchased at the box office or online.
The Disney Concert Hall
Offering you the best of every music genre, be it world music or jazz, classical or contemporary, the trip to Disney Concert Hall will undoubtedly prove to be memorable. This internationally recognized architectural landmark can easily be counted among the most sophisticated acoustic concert halls throughout the world. Designed by Frank Gehry, the music hall manages to impress not merely by its collection, but via its striking architecture as well.
Museum of Contemporary Art
The main branch of the Museum of Contemporary Art in downtown LA is home to thousands of artworks, some of dating back to the 1940s. In this museum, you get a chance to appreciate the talent of some less proclaimed artists and also enjoy the arts of Mark Rothko and Jackson Pollock. Tickets can be purchased for just $12, and you can take in everything the place has to offer, with access to outdoor installations as well. An audio tour, free of charge, is also provided to make your trip all the more enjoyable.
A+D Museum
Albeit a relatively recent addition in the world of art in Downtown LA, the A+D Museum (i.e. Architecture & Design) is not far behind when it comes to offering a great experience. The purpose of this museum is a celebration of the everyday design and progression in architecture. Using educational programming, exhibitions, and multi-disciplinary projects, the museum sheds light on the issues that the city of Los Angeles faces with regards to design. [Thanks to Omar Bárcena for the A+D photo.]
What about the modern touch?
It is not just art or museums that downtown LA has to offer. You will be surprised to find some incredible skyscrapers and lavish dining spots in the region as well. Downtown LA has come a long way from what it was initially perceived to be, and is now a hub of art and architecture. You can be confident that you will not be disappointed if you decide to make it a part of your vacation destination. The experience will be both educational and captivating, and you will not be bored for a single moment. Get a chance to witness a thriving culture with an urban touch in Downtown LA.
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Top banner image: LACMA – Los Angeles County Museum of Art, one of the largest museum in the western US, attracting nearly a million visitors annually. The museum houses works of art from ancient times to present day, and also features film and concert series.