Facts, Curiosities and Interesting Things about the Skirball Cultural Center
1. A flood of fun
Noah’s Ark at the Skirball is an award-winning children’s and family destination. Visitors can play, climb, and build while exploring an eight-thousand-square-foot wooden ark containing plenty of animals. Immerse yourself in Noah’s story at an experience The New York Times described as “extraordinary … A celebration of play, inspiring fascination, reviving wonder.”
2. “Socially responsible design”
The Skirball was designed by the highly influential architect Moshe Safdie. Relying on the ideologies of Modernism and focusing on construction that suits the environment, Safdie has designed the National Campus for the Archaeology of Israel, The Kauffman Center in Kansas City, Habitat 67 for the 1967 Montreal World Exposition, and more. Safdie designed the Skirball Cultural Center in a way that blends the structure and its surrounding landscape in a balanced and natural way.
3. The Skirball’s namesake
This welcoming center was named after Jack H. Skirball, an American rabbi, real estate developer, film producer, and philanthropist. Skirball even went on to become President of Skirball Productions which produced Alfred Hitchcock’s Saboteur (1942) and other classics. As well as developing the Skirball Museum at HUC–JIR Los Angeles, new congregations, and more, Skirball provided the inital funding for Uri D. Herscher’s cultural center, the Skirball.
Candlelight concerts at the Skirball Cultural Center
If you’re a fan of classical music, you won’t to miss out on the captivating Candlelight concerts coming to the Skirball Cultural Center this season. Relax in a candlelit environment as talented musicians serenade you with takes on some of the greatest music of all time. From Rihanna’s hits to sci-fi and fantasy film scores, these concerts are set to inspire audiences.
What else can you do at the Skirball Cultural Center?
An easier question to answer would be, “What can you not do at the Skirball Cultural Center?”
Exhibitions at the Skirball range from historic figures to fine arts and pop culture. Visitors can learn about Jewish and American life in the Skirball Museum. From art movements to traveling exhibitions like “I’ll Have What She’s Having”: The Jewish Deli, the Skirball showcases diverse collections.
You can also discover countless public programs such as sunset concerts, talks with food writers, sign up for a mindfulness retreat, join a book group or the creative writing community, and so much more. Keep an eye on the Skirball calendar to discover upcoming events.
While it’s hard to beat a Candlelight concert at the Skirball, the Candlelight series is also illuminating other spectacular venues across the city. If you haven’t already experienced these unique performances, here’s your sign to secure your seat!