Much maligned, but definitely improving, downtown Los Angeles still feels like a work in progress, with grand architectural statements sitting next to vacant or derelict lots. In a relatively small area though there is plenty to see, very explorable by foot, unlike much of the city.
To start with one of the most exciting buildings in the city, the wonderful Frank Gehry designed Walt Disney Concert Hall. The best parts of the building are up the steps, round the back, where there are some wonderful plays of light, and one of the most beautiful water fountains I’ve ever come across, in the shape of a flower.
Next door is the eye catching The Broad art gallery which I’ll cover in a seperate post to do justice to it’s collection of modern art.
The best views of downtown can be found for free from the top of the 1928 Los Angeles City Hall. Grand Park in particular looks better from above.
The skyline may not rival Chicago or New York, but there are a fair number of skyscrapers downtown, with my favourite for photography being the Two California Plaza Building.
More architecture of the heritage kind can be found in the very patchy historic downtown area. A highlight is the Bradbury Building, made famous through Blade Runner, which behind it’s relatively plain exterior has an ornate interior.
Across the road was the lovely and decorative Million Dollar Theater.
To end with where I started and ended my exploration of downtown, the magnificent Union Station.
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