About
We are the Los Angeles Conservancy.
Founded in 1978 to save the Central Library in downtown L.A. from demolition, we have the largest membership of any local preservation organization in the United States.
At the Los Angeles Conservancy, we believe that the true story of Los Angeles County is told through its people and its places—the dreamers, builders, and communities who’ve shaped this region, and the landmarks and neighborhoods that hold their stories. We see preservation not as nostalgia, but as a living connection between who we are, where we’ve been, and where we’re going.
For nearly five decades, we’ve worked to protect the historic places that define Los Angeles’ character—from iconic theatres and civic monuments to modest bungalows and beloved legacy businesses. Through our walking tours, special events, and digital storytelling, we bring people face to face with history, helping Angelenos see their city with new eyes.
But preservation is about more than buildings. It’s about people—those who live, work, and gather in these spaces and the communities that give them life. We raise awareness about the issues that affect everyday Angelenos and their neighborhoods, advocate for equitable preservation policies, and support local businesses that carry forward the city’s cultural identity. Through our technical assistance, trainings, and financial support programs, we help small legacy businesses adapt and thrive.
We also respond proactively to emerging preservation challenges across the County, from urgent threats to historic structures to long-term planning decisions that shape our communities. By collaborating with residents, civic partners, and decision-makers, we champion solutions that protect cultural heritage while creating a more inclusive and resilient future for all.
And because the future of preservation depends on the next generation, our educational programs bring history to life for thousands of students each year. By connecting young people with the stories behind their city’s buildings and neighborhoods, we’re helping them discover that preservation isn’t just about the past—it’s about belonging, identity, and pride of place.
At its heart, the Los Angeles Conservancy is about people and places—working together to ensure that the beauty, diversity, and spirit of Los Angeles endure for generations to come.
Why Preserve Historic Places?
Historic buildings, structures, landscapes, and neighborhoods hold the stories of generations of Angelenos. They give us a sense of place, become part of our identity, and represent our values as a culture. They embody our shared history.
Los Angeles may be known worldwide for its architectural icons and resounding cultural voice, but Angelenos know a more personal L.A.
From the historic nursery down the street to our favorite Googie coffee shop to the hole-in-the-wall taqueria down the street, we have a curbside view of Los Angeles unlike any other. L.A.’s older and historic neighborhoods are authentic and rich in character and distinction.
We want a donut; we eat it at a donut hole. Missing mom’s home cooking? We go to a longtime neighborhood restaurant where the recipes, ingredients, and people remind us of home. And, when we need to feel inspired, any of L.A.’s adaptively reused historic buildings show us how creativity and resolve can turn an underutilized space into an exciting place of the future.
This is the Los Angeles we love and work hard to preserve. We hope you do too.
If you share our vision, please explore this website to learn more about historic places and communities, our important issues, our great events, and how you can become a member!
