Los Angeles is a unique place for architecture, with Spanish Mission Revival, Craftsman, Art Deco, and even Victorian architectural elements defining the city’s structures. But one thing that Wally and Amanda Koval—the minds behind the ‘Accidentally Wes Anderson’ brand—understand is that a building’s façade can make it nice to look at, but the history behind it is what makes a place truly beautiful.
Accidentally Wes Anderson: The Exhibition is now open in Los Angeles, and to celebrate its success (the experience just announced its extending its dates due to popular demand) we collected 15 of the spots listed on included in the exhibition. Some are also featured on AWA’s Los Angeles Guide, which was created in partnership with the Discover Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board.
1. Angels Flight Railway
“Built in 1901, the Angels Flight railway was originally christened as the ‘Los Angeles Incline Railway’, starting at the west corner of Hill Street and running for two blocks uphill to its Olive Street terminus. This railway would be operated by six different companies throughout its history. […]
“After several grand reopenings and tragic closings, some due to derailment incidents, safety upgrades were made to the doors of the cars, and an evacuation walkway was added adjacent to the track. It was not until 2017 that Angels Flight would resume service.” —Accidentally Wes Anderson
2. Union Station
“Built in 1939, Los Angeles Union Station is the largest railroad passenger terminal in the Western United States and is widely regarded as ‘the last of the great train stations.’ The station’s signature Mission Moderne style makes it one of L.A.’s architectural gems. […]
“In 1972, Union Station was designated as a Los Angeles Historic – Cultural Monument and in 1980, it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.” —Accidentally Wes Anderson
3. Los Angeles Central Library
“Upon entering the historic Central Library in Downtown Los Angeles, one might consider they have entered a spiritual place of worship due to its style of murals and architecture. Constructed in 1926 and designed by architect Bertram Goodhue, the complex is the third largest public library in the United States in terms of book and periodical holdings. […]
“The Library received the National Medal for Museum and Library Service, the nation’s highest honor, given to museums and libraries for service to the community. The award recognizes the library’s programs that help people on their path to citizenship, earn high school diplomas and access health and well-being services.” —Accidentally Wes Anderson
4. The Georgian Hotel
“White-gloved attendants first swung open the doors of Santa Monica’s Georgian Hotel in 1933. Run by Judge Harry J. Borde, the exclusive hotel was nicknamed ‘The Lady’ in honor of Borde’s late mother, Rosamond—the true visionary of The Georgian and its adjacent sister hotel. […]
“Santa Monica was still inventing itself at the time, and The Georgian’s stately elegance helped establish Southern California’s coastal aesthetic. While retaining its original charm, the hotel moved with the tides, later becoming a summer residence for first mother Rose Kennedy; creating a beauty parlor and playground before such amenities were common- place; and consistently offering discretionary martinis on the veranda to Hollywood’s elite.” —Accidentally Wes Anderson
5. The Eastern Columbia Building
“Amid the glitz and glamour of early Hollywood, the stunning Eastern Columbia Building became a star unto itself. Built in 1930, the thirteen-story Art Deco building was constructed in the Broadway Theater District of Downtown Los Angeles. One of the city’s most photographed buildings, it is considered the greatest surviving example of Art Deco architecture in L.A. […]
“In 2006, the Eastern Columbia Building was converted into condominiums. Once a center of retail, the Building now welcomes guests through its doors as a residential living space — and is still as breathtaking as ever.” —Accidentally Wes Anderson
6. Pico House
“As new residents and visitors poured [into LA in the late 19th century], Don Pio Pico, the last Mexican governor of Alta California, saw an opportunity to develop L.A.’s downtown with a luxury three-story hotel located directly on the plaza. […]
“At first, Pico’s gamble paid off—Pico House was “the place to be” as the surrounding area grew. […] Growing to support over 10,000 residents in just ten years, L.A. outgrew the small town square, and business districts began to develop south of Pico House and the original Mexican structures. This growth, coupled with Pio Pico’s personal gambling issues and penchant for conducting fraudulent business transactions led the famous governor to lose his opulent property in 1880. […]
“Now a part of the landmarked El Pueblo de Los Ángeles Historical Monument, Pico House waits for a return to its glory days of sumptuous meals and fine decor. City officials continue to debate how to resurrect Pico’s old palace–but maybe all that’s needed is a new French restaurant.” —Seamus McMahon
7. Griffith Observatory
“3,015 acres (12.20 km2) of land surrounding the Observatory was donated to the City of Los Angeles by Griffith J. Griffith on December 16, 1896 (that’s right, his first and last names are both “Griffith”). In his will, Griffith donated funds to build an observatory, exhibit hall, and planetarium on the donated land. In accordance with his wishes, admission has been free since its opening in 1935. […]
“In its first five days of operation, the Observatory logged more than 13,000 visitors. To date, more than 81 million visitors have visited the Observatory, seeing the stars on clear nights through the Zeiss 12-inch refracting telescope, making this stargazer the most used on Earth.” —Accidentally Wes Anderson
8. The Broad
“Philanthropists Eli and Edythe Broad worked for four decades to curate an art collection worthy of its own museum. The perforated design has been dubbed the ‘the veil and the vault’ describing the building’s two core attributes. The pin pricked exterior represents the ‘veil and allows for natural light to flow into the gallery spaces.
“The ‘vault’ is the museum’s concrete core, which shapes the gallery experience and protects The Broad Art Foundation’s lending library. The eclectic design was a necessity to compete with its famous neighbor, Frank Gehry’s Walt Disney Concert Hall. But it’s safe to say the two designs marry quite well together.” —Accidentally Wes Anderson
9. Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
“When the owner of the Brooklyn Dodgers wanted to move the team, they took up residence here until a dedicated stadium could be built. Naturally, the newly minted Los Angeles Dodgers won a World Series just two years into their residence at the Coliseum, the first for a West Coast team. […] If that’s not epic enough: Less than a decade after the Dodgers’ World Series win, the First World Championship Game would be held in the Coliseum. We just call it the Super Bowl now.
“As the Coliseum approaches its centennial, it also approaches its own “New Frontier”: longevity. […] [Improvements have been] made so that the Greatest Stadium in the World could carry the torch and – you guessed it – host the Olympics a remarkable third time in 2028.” —Chris Gilson
10. Orpheum Theater
“Built in 1927, the Theater was a popular stop for the Orpheum vaudeville circuit, a chain of theaters founded by German impresario Gustav Walter. It was the ultimate theater to join the circuit, which had been delighting audiences for over 40 years; ever since Walter launched the production, from the Orpheum Opera House in San Francisco. […]
“With over a century of hosting music and entertainment, the Orpheum Theater continues to electrify South Broadway, and is still regarded as a cultural centerpiece of Downtown Los Angeles.” —Accidentally Wes Anderson
11. The Harlan Residences
“Though this apartment complex was born in the silent film era, it has been anything but quiet in its lifetime. Formally known as the Hollywood Hillview Apartments, it housed many of young Hollywood’s budding stars, and play host to hundreds of thirsty patrons imbibing their way through a secret trap door to an underground prohibition-era watering hole. […]
“Sharing the fate of many silent film stars, the apartment building’s success proved fleeting, and by the 1960s Hillview had fallen far from its days as the place to be and be seen. Suffering further damage from the Northridge earthquake in 1994 and subway tunnel construction, it was purchased in 2019 by developers aiming to bring the living space back to its former glory.” —Seamus McMahon
12. Bob Baker Marionette Theater
“The Bob Baker Marionette Theater, located in Los Angeles, California, was founded by Bob Baker and Alton Wood in 1963. It is the longest-running children’s theater company in Los Angeles. […]
“In 2014, Baker passed away at the age of 90, but his legacy continues to live on. The City of Los Angeles designated the Theater as a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument, and the live theater has relocated to a new location in Highland Park where it puts on puppet shows for children.” —Accidentally Wes Anderson
13. Advance Wood Shop
“Advance Wood Shop is a third-generation family-owned business based in the Highland Park neighborhood of Los Angeles. Highland Park has a legacy of local businesses, some of which have been community staples for decades. […]
“In 1947, Italian immigrant Mike Tenerelli established Advance Wood Shop, specializing in residential, commercial, and custom shelving and cabinetry. After running the business for roughly thirty years, Mike passed it on to his son Stan—who took over for thirty years himself. His son, Mike Tenerelli II, has been at the helm for the last decade. If tradition holds, Mike II has another twenty years before he passes it on to the next generation.” —Accidentally Wes Anderson
14. Los Angeles Harbor Light
“This beacon of light has been directing thousands of ships into the Harbor of Los Angeles since 1913. Though its exterior has remained the same, lighthouse keepers have been replaced with electronics, and the beloved fog horn lovingly referred to as ‘Moaning Maggie’ was removed for a more…modern sound.
“‘Maggie’ was known for her classic deep two-toned blast that reverently blasted across the harbor. She was retired for a new horn which signaled to sailors in a nagging high-pitch single-tone, which has led to this horn being called ‘Blatting Betty.’ Though many jokes have been created to slander Betty, at least you can hear her from a mile away.” —Accidentally Wes Anderson
15. Getty Center
“The Getty Center is the result of the personal art collection of J. Paul Getty, the founder of the Getty Oil Company and at one time, the world’s wealthiest man. […]
“Through his fortune and fortitude, Getty’s legacy lives on in […] the Getty Center in Los Angeles. A passionate art collector, the museum started in Getty’s home and has now expanded throughout the vast museum. At the Center, visitors can view pre-20th century European artwork, including Van Gogh’s masterpiece ‘Irises.’” —Accidentally Wes Anderson
See hundreds of spots like these from all over the world at Accidentally Wes Anderson: The Exhibition!
Los Angeles is brimming with stunning architecture rich with history. From Don Pio Pico’s vision of LA’s downtown to Rosamund Borde’s visionary hospitality, it takes a special eye to look past the surface.
Do you have that eye? Then check out Accidentally Wes Anderson: The Exhibition! Not only do they have 200+ photos of the most beautiful and idiosyncratic places in LA and around the world, but also an onsite contest where guests can submit their own AWA-style photos. The final day to submit is July 28, so get inspired, get some photos of LA, and get your tickets to Accidentally Wes Anderson below!