A survivor of military conflicts and natural disasters, Avila Adobe, LA’s oldest house, is a window into the city’s past reflecting its Spanish and Mexican heritage. During the Mexican–American War in 1846, American forces briefly occupied the adobe. Following the war, the Avila family reclaimed their home, but over time, it deteriorated. By 1928, the City of Los Angeles deemed it unsafe due to damage from an earthquake.
Nowadays, Adobe Avila serves as a museum, offering visitors a glimpse into the city’s Spanish and Mexican culture, for free.
What is the Avila Adobe?
The Avila Adobe is a historic house in Los Angeles, California. It was constructed in 1818 by Francisco José Avila, a native of Sinaloa, Mexico, who was mayor of Los Angeles in 1810 and a wealthy rancher.
The house is made from adobe bricks, which are essentially mud and straw formed into blocks and dried in the sun. It served as the Avila family’s residence for many years. Today, it’s a museum where visitors can explore and learn about life in early Los Angeles during the Spanish and Mexican periods.
Where is the Avila house located?
The Avila Adobe is located in downtown Los Angeles, California, within the El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument. Specifically, it is situated on 10th Olvera Street, which is a popular tourist destination known for its Mexican marketplace and historic buildings.
What to see at the Avila Adobe Museum
Visitors to the Avila Adobe Museum can explore several fascinating aspects of Los Angeles’s history. Some highlights include:
- Historic residence: Explore the adobe structure and its original layout, offering insight into domestic life in the 19th century.
- Furniture and decorations: Discover authentic furnishings and artifacts from the Spanish and Mexican periods, providing a glimpse into the daily lives of the Avila family and other residents of LA. back in the day.
- Outdoor courtyard: Relax in the tranquil outdoor courtyard surrounding the Avila Adobe, featuring native plants and landscaping reminiscent of LA’s natural environment.
Is the Avila house for free?
Admission to the Avila Adobe is free. Visitors can explore this historic house in downtown Los Angeles without an entrance fee, daily from 9 am to 4 pm.
How long does it take to explore the house?
On average, visitors typically spend around 30 minutes to an hour touring the museum. This allows enough time to walk through the historic rooms, view the period furnishings, read informational plaques, and learn about life in the XIX century in Los Angeles.
What to do nearby
Near the Avila Adobe, there are several other attractions and points of interest that are totally worth checking out:
- Olvera Street: A historic Mexican marketplace located adjacent to the Avila Adobe, featuring shops, restaurants, and cultural events.
- Cielito Lindo: A legendary Mexican Restaurant beloved by the community and by Anthony Bourdain.
- El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument: A collection of historic buildings and sites that preserve the city’s early history, including the Plaza de Los Angeles and the Sepulveda House.
- Los Angeles Plaza Park: A public park located near the Avila Adobe, offering green space and benches for relaxation.
- La Placita Olvera Church: A historic church in Olvera Street, known for its colorful exterior and religious significance.
- Chinatown: A vibrant neighborhood adjacent to the historic core of downtown Los Angeles, known for its restaurants, shops, and cultural events.
- The Broad: A contemporary art museum located a short distance away, featuring a diverse collection of modern art.