L.A. has its own way of shouting “CULTURE.” Among the many things that this county is known for, such as its Hollywood industry and pleasant climate, its cultural and ethnic diversity is not something you would find everywhere, or anywhere else in the country.

When it comes to diversity, L.A.’s population speaks for itself. And so does the architecture! Many buildings and monuments symbolize the time period in which they were built and also display the unique thought processes of the architects. Altogether, they represent L.A. as a county built on cultural diversity, not only at present but also in the past. So, if you are looking to dig a little deeper into L.A.’s diversity, here are some of its best architectural sites to visit.

Walt Disney Concert Hall

Undoubtedly the most iconic works of architecture in L.A., the Walt Disney Concert Hall, located on 111 South Grand Avenue in downtown L.A., is internationally recognized as one of the most exquisite concert halls in the world. It’s stainless steel panels and grand and intricate interior give it a modish charm.

Pico House

The Pico House, located on 430 North Main Street, was built by Pío Pico: the last governor of California under Mexican rule. Hence, it is a historic site. The Pico House represents Italian architecture and was the first three story building and grand hotel in L.A.

Saint Basil Catholic Church

The Saint Basil Catholic Church was designed by A.C. Martin, and established way back in 1969. It is located at 3611 Wilshire Blvd. The church is constructed as a collection of tall buildings and resembles a modern fortress.

Avila Adobe

Being the oldest house recorded in Los Angeles, the Avila Adobe is not the most contemporary and fresh piece of architecture, but it has been able to attract thousands of tourists and locals with its old-fashioned, rustic charm. It was built by Francisco José Avila, a ranchero and native of Sinaloa, in 1818. So, almost 200 years ago!

Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels

The Cathedral of our Lady of Angels was constructed by the world-renowned architect José Rafael Moneo in 1996. Moneo was inspired by the themes of journey and light and chose to illuminate the Cathedral with natural light flooding through windows made of Spanish alabaster.

The Bradbury Building

Built by Sumner Hunt and completed by George H. Wyman, the Bradbury is the oldest commercial building in central Los Angeles. It is a 128-year-old building located on 304 S Broadway. With its open cage elevators, iron railings, and marble staircases, the Bradbury embodies Romanesque Revival and Renaissance Revival architecture.

The Mayan Theater

The Mayan Theater was constructed by the Mexican artist Francisco Cornejo in 1927. The theater was built to resemble Pre-Columbian architecture. The interior of the theater was inspired by Mayan Revival and this is evident in the various components of the theater. The lobby is a hall of inscriptions covered in hieroglyphics; the foyer has designs of feathered serpents; and original painted fire safety curtains portray Mayan jungles and temples. The theater’s original and primitive architecture makes it a true representation of both history and culture.

Written for: L.A. Style Magazine

Link to article here.

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