After around two years of closure, L.A.’s remarkable Hollyhock House is set to reopen on August 18, 2022, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. It closed its doors to the public at the start of the pandemic, leaving curious Lloyd Wright enthusiasts with nothing more than a virtual window into this local marvel. Within the same week, on August 20, the Cultural Affairs Department is hosting a free lawn party for the community from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
This outdoor evening affair will feature free hot dogs, crafts, live music and a Bob Baker Marionette Theater show which pays homage to the original vision of the space as an avant-garde theater complex. Guests will also get a glimpse of the significant restorations and changes that have taken place during the closure, like the intricate Hollyhock flower detailing that crowns the stonework. You can find the full schedule and details here.
The East Hollywood structure was first commissioned as a guest house by Aline Barnsdall as part of a larger arts compound and was designed by renowned architect Frank Lloyd in 1921. However, the grand plans weren’t fully realized and the building was eventually handed over to the City of Los Angeles in 1927 and is now part of the city’s Barnsdall Art Park.
In true Frank Lloyd Wright style, the entrance to this century-old cultural landmark is hidden from outsiders. You’ll traverse a long pergola until you encounter imposing cast concrete doors that open up to what looks like a Mayan-inspired castle. There are unmistakably Lloyd touches to stake more of with endless theatrical elements to admire that fuse earth, air, fire and water. At the heart of the home, you’ll find a show-stopping fireplace with a mote, accented custom furniture and small passageways leading to a dramatic reveal once you arrive in front of it.
Tours are expected to be booked up fast, so you’ll want to get your advanced tickets as soon as possible.