The Los Angeles Art & Architecture Guide
Blackman Cruz
Antique store · Hollywood
"Adam Blackman and David Cruz's eponymous shop occupies a space that once was a gay nightclub (it was in American Gigolo if you'd like to see it in its former incarnation), which just gives credence to the concept that you never know where you might find treasure. They have impeccable taste and a curatorial sensibility which makes this one of LA's more inspirational home goods shops. "
Just One Eye
Clothing store · Hollywood
"COVID-19 update: Open for browsing, online orders, and curbside pickup. Part store, part gallery, part showroom, Just One Eye all but evades description. With a curated selection of luxury fashion, jewelry, and furniture juxtaposed with impressive works of contemporary art (seriouslyâitâs like the Gagosian in there), the place is an aestheteâs dream. The owner, Paola Russo, served as Maxfieldâs creative director for years, and her wide-reaching industry relationships have made her a connector of sorts between designers and artists. Donât miss the Nate Lowman x Converse limited-edition sneakers or Damien Hirst and The Row Just One Eye backpacks. COVID-19 disclaimer: We are working hard to keep our listings as up to date as possible (deliveries, outdoor dining, etc.), but given the evolving nature of local COVID-19 restrictions, we recommend double-checking the information in this guide with any business you plan on visiting. Also, please note that we have not vetted any businesses listed within our guides for their compliance with applicable safety regulations."
Grand Central Market
Food court · Downtown Los Angeles
"Built in 1917, restored in the '90s, and then revamped in the past few years, this downtown marketâwhich has operated continually for the past centuryâstill maintains its original façade in the Homer Laughlin Building. Nowadays, you'll find specialty shops like Belcampo Meat Co., Valerie Confections, Eggslut, and DTLA Cheese, along with small food joints serving up Mexican, Chinese, and Japanese food, ideal for the downtown office crowd and tourists alike."
Des Kohan
Women's clothing store · SoFo
"Desiree Kohan has amassed a stable of envelope-pushing designersâJuan Carlos Obando, Ryan Roche, Sharon Wauchob, Damir Domaâthat you can't find anywhere else. Everything is airily arranged in her light-filled space on Fairfax. Beyond the beautiful clothing and accessories, Des will always help you put a look together."
Dinosaur Coffee
Coffee shop · Silver Lake
"Dinosaur distinguishes itself from a bounty of good coffee in the neighborhood with its design-minded space. Designed by MASS Architects, everything about it is well-considered, from the Scandinavian stools to the fin-shaped sculpture above the counter, which also displays the menu. The attention to detail also spills over into the coffee, which is fully up to Silver Lake hipster standards. "
Huset
Gift shop · Venice
"This sliver of space on Abbot Kinney has a really healthy selection of all the Scandinavian home goods lines we've all come to love: Iittala glassware, Arne Jacobsen for Stelton water jugs, and Marimekko trays. There's also a small range of clothing, and some cute stuff for kids."
Arcana: Books on the Arts
Book store · Hayden Tract
"COVID-19 update: Open for curbside pickup, limited in-store shopping, and delivery (check out their "book of the day" feature on their site. Tucked away in the back of the Helms Bakery building, Arcana is easy to miss: In fact, they seem to play it intentionally low-pro. They have an incredible selection of rare and hard-to-find art books, many of which are behind glass. COVID-19 disclaimer: We are working hard to keep our listings as up to date as possible (deliveries, outdoor dining, etc.), but given the evolving nature of local COVID-19 restrictions, we recommend double-checking the information in this guide with any business you plan on visiting. Also, please note that we have not vetted any businesses listed within our guides for their compliance with applicable safety regulations."
Father's Office
Gastropub · Mid-City
"This popular burger jointâwhich fronts Helms Bakeryâs giant furniture shop, H.D. Buttercupâis just a stoneâs throw from Culver Cityâs gallery scene. Order the Office Burger, complete with bacon, caramelized onions, gruyere, and blue cheese (no substitutions allowed), with a side of sweet potato fries, and one of an encyclopediaâs worth of craft beers. There's another location in Santa Monica."
Lukshon
Permanently Closed
"COVID-19 Update: Temporarily closed. This lovely, loft-like restaurantâlocated in the booming Helms Bakery complexâserves Southeast Asian fare that nimbly straddles tradition and inventiveness. Donât miss the crab fritters, which come with Singapore-chili jam, the spicy chicken thatâs served in the form of a pop, and the pork-laced dandan noodles. There are plenty of heat lamps on the patio, making this the perfect spot to dine outside. Photos: Steve King COVID-19 Disclaimer: We are working hard to keep our listings as up to date as possible (deliveries, outdoor dining, etc.), but given the evolving nature of local COVID-19 restrictions, we recommend double-checking the information in this guide with any business you plan on visiting. Also, please note that we have not vetted any businesses listed within our guides for their compliance with applicable safety regulations."
Noodle Stories
Women's clothing store · Beverly Grove
"This airy, all-white space is a fitting back-drop for the avant-garde lines on offer: Here you'll find Maison Martin Margiela dresses, asymmetrical tanks and tees from Clu, and Comme des Garcons jackets. There's a Noodle Stories temporary space down the street that's singularly devoted to Issey Miyake."
The Sycamore Kitchen
Restaurant · Fairfax District
"COVID-19 Update: Open for takeout and delivery. Smack in the middle of the La Brea design corridor, the seating at this little sister to the more upscale Odys + Penelope is almost entirely outdoors. The sweet and the savory camps are equally strong here: There's salted caramel pecan babka and chocolate chip rye in the former, and a generous Farmhouse Chop Salad and Turkey Sandwich in the latter. COVID-19 Disclaimer: We are working hard to keep our listings as up to date as possible (deliveries, outdoor dining, etc.), but given the evolving nature of local COVID-19 restrictions, we recommend double-checking the information in this guide with any business you plan on visiting. Also, please note that we have not vetted any businesses listed within our guides for their compliance with applicable safety regulations."
Love Coffee Bar
Coffee shop · Pico
"COVID-19 Update: Open for pickup. This newly-opened spot in Santa Monica is always washed with daylight, thanks to wide, floor-to-ceiling windows. Menu-wise, the espresso drinks are excellent, and it's worth trying the weirdly good lemonade iced coffee. It's a great spot for work if you've got a puppy in towâthe entire space is dog-friendly, and the backyard offers plenty of room for them to stretch out under your table. COVID-19 Disclaimer: We are working hard to keep our listings as up to date as possible (deliveries, outdoor dining, etc.), but given the evolving nature of local COVID-19 restrictions, we recommend double-checking the information in this guide with any business you plan on visiting. Also, please note that we have not vetted any businesses listed within our guides for their compliance with applicable safety regulations."
NoMad Los Angeles
Permanently Closed
"You know a hotel is doing something right when the locals are rushing to book staycations. that's exactly what happened when New York's NoMad made its way to LA. The LA outpost is in a former bank building on Olive Street (the massive vault in the basement now leads to the restrooms), and the lushly decorated ground floor is where you'll find the lobby restaurant and coffee shop. Both are excellent, but for dinner, you want to be up in the Mezzanine. The rooms, with their freestanding tubs, marble counters, and floral fainting couches, have been known to send overnight guests home with heads full of redecorating plans. And while room service is as standard a room amenity as, say, a flat-screen TV, here the experience is elevated to an art form. Everything on the menu is a slam dunkâthough several goop staffers have come back from staycations waxing poetic about the breakfast sandwich. "
Chariots On Fire
Permanently Closed
"This gallery-like shop on Abbot Kinney is the brainchild of Ritz Yagi, who runs a creative agency of the same name. The offerings are spare, gorgeous, and special, whether it's a gem-inflected necklace or a perfectly imperfect hand-throw tray by Japanese artist Makoto Kagoshima."
Verve Coffee Roasters
Coffee shop · Norma Triangle
"These guys are actually based in Santa Cruz but they recently expanded into Los Angeles with two locationsâone on Spring Street in the Arts District and, most recently, on Melrose in West Hollywood. No matter which location you pick, you'll find reliable internet and plenty of seating housed in a sleek, urban-feeling space. Verve also practices direct trade with farmers who source their coffee beansâan important (and very difficult to execute) practice that allows them to exceed Fair Trade minimums when they pay farmers for their goods."
Tsujita LA Artisan Noodle Annex
Ramen restaurant · Sawtelle
"COVID-19 Update: Open for takeout. This L.A. outpost of a popular Japanese restaurant is somewhat of a mecca for noodle snobs: Made all the more elusive because Tsujita only serves their artisanal ramens at lunch (come dinner, itâs traditional Japanese fare). Fortunately, they just opened an Annex on the opposite side of Sawtelle, where you can get bowls of Tsukemen-style ramen all day long. COVID-19 Disclaimer: We are working hard to keep our listings as up to date as possible (deliveries, outdoor dining, etc.), but given the evolving nature of local COVID-19 restrictions, we recommend double-checking the information in this guide with any business you plan on visiting. Also, please note that we have not vetted any businesses listed within our guides for their compliance with applicable safety regulations."
Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee
Donut shop · Santa Monica
"COVID-19 Update: Open for pickup and delivery. It used to be that you had to make a special day trip to Costa Mesa to get your hands on a Sidecar, but now that the new Santa Monica outpost is finally here, dropping by for one of their fried-fresh-on-the-hour doughnuts and a cup of famously smooth coffee has gotten almost dangerously easy. The flavors are broken up into classics (the huckleberry and vanilla twist are goop HQ favorites) and monthly specials like coconut cream pie, peanut butter & banana, and chocolate & rye. And keep an eye out for the gluten-free options, the butter & salt is worth trying even if gluten isnât an issue. COVID-19 Disclaimer: We are working hard to keep our listings as up to date as possible (deliveries, outdoor dining, etc.), but given the evolving nature of local COVID-19 restrictions, we recommend double-checking the information in this guide with any business you plan on visiting. Also, please note that we have not vetted any businesses listed within our guides for their compliance with applicable safety regulations. "
HD Buttercup
Furniture store · Mid-City
"Occupying the former Helms Bakery building, this department store-like store sits in a complex that plays host to Room & Board, and a handful of rug and lighting boutiques. It's divided into shop-in-shops for various vendors, which means that you'll find vintage collectibles arranged next to furniture and bedding companies. They have another LA location downtown, as well as one in SF and one in Orange County. This summer Australian furniture line Coco Republic launched its outdoor collection at HD Buttercupâsleek chairs, tables, and patio accessories made with a mix of concrete, rope, teak, and other materials."
Obsolete
Antique store · Clarkdale
"COVID-19 update: Open for browsing. If you're looking for an incredibly long farm table, or a bed from an period home, look here. Everything here is insanely cool and patina'd, from the perfectly restored furniture to the truly one-of-a-kind finds. They've elevated store design and arrangement to an art, too, making this a fun place to browse. COVID-19 disclaimer: We are working hard to keep our listings as up to date as possible (deliveries, outdoor dining, etc.), but given the evolving nature of local COVID-19 restrictions, we recommend double-checking the information in this guide with any business you plan on visiting. Also, please note that we have not vetted any businesses listed within our guides for their compliance with applicable safety regulations."
Perch
French restaurant · Downtown Los Angeles
"This terrace bar overlooks downtownâs Pershing Square, the home of several prime examples of classic L.A. architecture including the art deco building it tops. It has a French, bistro-themed restaurant and all the cocktails youâd want, though the real draw here is the view."
The Broad
Modern art museum · Downtown Los Angeles
"COVID-19 update: Temporarily closed, but an incredible virtual offering including their Time Decorated Series, which digs into artists and their influences via a video medium. The Broad Family Workshops series of at-home video tutorials hits home for middle school, junior high, and even high school kids interested in the arts. Each video opens by showing pieces by an artist whose work is hanging at the museum, then leads kids through a project in that artistâs style. With ten videos and counting, get ready for Elliot Hundley collage work, conceptual art in the style of Barbara Kruger, a 3D structure Ă la Yayoi Kusama, and more. Older kids can do most projects solo, but to avoid frustration, involve the little ones as a family. Photo: Iwan Baan. Courtesy The Broad. COVID-19 disclaimer: We are working hard to keep our listings as up to date as possible (deliveries, outdoor dining, etc.), but given the evolving nature of local COVID-19 restrictions, we recommend double-checking the information in this guide with any business you plan on visiting. Also, please note that we have not vetted any businesses listed within our guides for their compliance with applicable safety regulations."
Il Tramezzino
Italian restaurant · Beverly Hills
"COVID-19 Update: Open for takeout and delivery. Affectionately known as âIl Trem,â this is a great place to grab a sandwich on your way to check out all the commissioned architecture in the Rodeo Drive area: Itâs surrounded by Beverly Hillâs most notable architectural gems, which include Frank Lloyd Wrightâs Anderton Court Shops from the â50s (one of his only forays into retail), and Rem Koolhaus and Ole Scheerenâs 2004 Prada store on Rodeo Drive. COVID-19 Disclaimer: We are working hard to keep our listings as up to date as possible (deliveries, outdoor dining, etc.), but given the evolving nature of local COVID-19 restrictions, we recommend double-checking the information in this guide with any business you plan on visiting. Also, please note that we have not vetted any businesses listed within our guides for their compliance with applicable safety regulations. "
Tortoise General Store
Gift shop · Mar Vista
"Taku and Keiko Shinomoto, the owners and curators of this much-loved shop, urge customers to slow down (like the animal the store is named for) and enjoy lifeâs small pleasures. The focus here is on everyday items, made beautiful, whether itâs gardening shears, beautiful Tenugui cloth napkins, coffee grinders, or sake pitchers. In the spring of 2018, the shop made a move from Venice to Mar Vista."
Skylight Studios
Portrait studio · Century City
"A view of the Century Plaza Towers from below (the duo were designed by Minoru Yamasaki, the architect who designed The World Trade Center, and the visual similarities are eery), and free admission are just bonuses: The photo exhibits here are both excellent and manageable."
MOCA Store
Gift shop · Downtown Los Angeles
"Until the opening of the Broad across the street, MOCA was LA's only museum wholly dedicated to contemporary art. As always, there's something great to see at their downtown location, their outpost in the Pacific Design Center, and the super rad Geffen Contemporary, housed in a former police car warehouse in Little Tokyo. "
Los Angeles County Museum of Art
Art museum · Mid-Wilshire
"Undeniably, LACMA pulls LA's biggest art exhibitsâand many of them. The campus is huge, the permanent exhibits are great, and it's all kid-friendly, too. If you have little ones in tow, definitely head to the Boone Gallery, which is located on the second floor of the Hammer Building. There, you'll find a space where little ones can actually put brush to paper and make art. While on-site, sign them up for a free LACMA youth membershipâthey can visit the museum for free whenever they want (and bring one adult guest along). "
Eames Foundation
Historical place museum · Pacific Palisades
"While it will cost you (a lot) to take a tour of the inside of Charles and Ray Eamesâ house/studio, itâs pretty incredible to see how warmly this husband and wife team lived, as well as their iconic, modern furniture in situ. While indoor tours range from $275-$400 (depending on group size), itâs only $10 to walk the grounds and see its iconic, Mondrian-esque exterior. Reservations for both are required."
MAK Center for Art and Architecture at the Schindler House
Museum · Crescent
"R.M. Schindlerâs 1920âs home is the headquarters for this Art & Architecture Center. There are exhibitions and events throughout the year, but the main pull is visiting the house that Schindler designed as a communal live/work space. Itâs an icon of modern design."
The Gamble House
Historical landmark · Downtown
"An architectural survey of Los Angeles isn't complete without seeing the work of brothers Charles and Henry Greene who pioneered the Arts & Crafts movement in California. The Gamble House in Pasadena is a particularly outstanding specimen of their endemic architectural style, as Greene & Greene custom-designed every single joint and beam in this 1908 bungalow, from the remarkably crafted staircase to the stained glass doors in the entryway, to the furniture and even the textilesâall full of references to the local natural surroundings. There's a standard hour-long tour, though architecture buffs and carpentry aficionados will appreciate the longer, more intensive options, one of which is led by a woodworker."
Mameg
Clothing store · Fairfax District
"Mameg is tucked away behind the mirror-fronted Maison Martin Margiela on Little Santa Monica, and should you not know to look, youâd never know it was there. But search it out, and youâll find a pretty rarified world. Here Eatable of Many Orders sweaters mingle with Cosmic Wonders dresses, and Jil Sander cardigans rest next to Hussein Chalayan hats."
Chateau Marmont
Fine dining restaurant · Hollywood Hills West
"Originally constructed in the â30s as an opulent apartment building (its design takes after the Gothic chateaus of the Loire Valley), the Chateau quickly morphed into a hotel. It has official historic landmark status for a million reasons: Itâs played host to everyone in Hollywood (sadly, John Belushi died here), and despite an AndrĂ© Balazs re-do in the â90s, it still feels wonderfully old-world. Its popularity has never waned, to the extent that you generally canât grab a bite or a drink here unless youâre checked-in, or meeting a guest. Images: Nikolas Koenig"
Neutra VDL Studio and Residences
Architect · Silver Lake
"Richard Neutra built the âVDL Research House Iâ in the '30s as a live/work space where he proved, with sweeping windows, that spatial limitations need not constrict oneâs lifestyle or budget. Itâs a premier example of modern architecture in California and is under continual renovation by researchers at Cal Poly Pomona; these same architecture students give excellent tours on Saturdays from 11 to 3."
Matthew Marks Gallery
Art gallery · SoFo
"Matthew Marks opened his two LA spaces in quick succession, in January and November of 2012. This outpost is quite close to the original on Orange Grove, which is convenient since many exhibitions spread across the two spaces."
Sunset Marquis
Hotel · Crescent
"From its inception in 1963, when the hotel opened to give entertainers and guests of the nearby Playboy Club somewhere to stay, the Sunset Marquis has been the favorite destination for rockers, writers, and actors visiting LA (hence the underground recording studio). Stay in one of their Mediterranean-style villas which were recently given an overhaul as part of the hotel's $25 million facelift. It's the perfect place to crash after a wild night at Bar 1200 next door."
Sunset Tower Hotel
Hotel · Crescent
"Jeff Kleins' art deco jewel is one of our favorite places to stay, though the rooms can be a bit tight. It also has one of our favorite restaurants, Tower Bar: The walls are lined in walnut, the lighting is low, and the vibe is hushed and discreetââfitting, as it lives in what was once Bugsy Siegel's apartment."
Franklin D. Murphy Sculpture Garden
Garden · Westwood
"Sculptural works from the likes of Alexander Calder, Barbara Hepworth, Henri Mattisse, Isamu Noguchi, and others, sprawl across five acres of UCLAâs campus. You can wander around yourself, or arrange a tour though they book up far in advance."
Blum & Poe
Art gallery · Mid-City
"If you're an artist in LA, one of your goals is probably to get a show at Blum & Poe, one of, if not the, best LA galleries for contemporary art. It's a wonderfully big and airy space, and there's always something interesting showing. "
Barnsdall Art Park
Park · East Hollywood
"Overlooking the Hollywood Hills and crowned by Frank Lloyd Wright's Hollyhock House, built in the early â20s for oil heiress Aline Barnsdall, this park draws locals and tourists alike for art classes, outdoor movies, and Friday afternoon wine tastings."
Otium
Permanently Closed
"Fittingly situated behind the Broad contemporary art museum, Otiumâs box-like, wood, steel, and glass building can easily be mistaken for a large-scale art installation. Inside, the large light-filled dining room and communal table area revolve around a sprawling open kitchen and are meant to accommodate the museum crowds without making anyone feel, well, overcrowded. Chef Timothy Hollingsworth, formerly of The French Laundry, developed a menu thatâs at times experimental but always approachable and delicious, think: artichoke and burrata, bacon tart, and falafel. "