Art Deco Walking Tour | Los Angeles Conservancy
Photo by Annie Laskey/L.A. Conservancy

Art Deco Walking Tour

Art Deco Walking Tour

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Everyone knows that L.A. is a glamorous city. But few know that true Old Hollywood glamour lies in the streets of downtown L.A.!

Nothing evokes Jazz Age elegance like Art Deco. Its clean lines and geometric patterns proved a perfect style for L.A. in the ‘20s and ‘30s, and an extraordinary collection of these masterpieces still stands in the heart of the city.

On this tour, you’ll marvel at the incredible detail of these structures, with their brilliant colors and lush materials. You’ll learn how Art Deco made its way to L.A., and why it became such a defining architectural style in the city.

Click on the getting there tab for information about our Covid-19 safety policies. 

LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The Los Angeles Conservancy recognizes the Gabrieliño Tongva as the past, present, and future caretakers of this land, water, and natural resources in the unceded territory of Los Angeles.

Walk-ins Not Accepted
Meeting Location

Pershing Square, a one-block park located between Olive, Hill, Fifth, and Sixth Streets at 532 S. Olive Street, Los Angeles, 90013.

Covid-19 Safety and Important Policies
  • Tour will run rain or shine.
  • The L.A. Conservancy highly recommends but does not require wearing a face mask.
  • The L.A. Conservancy highly recommends but does not require being vaccinated against Covid-19.
  • Social distancing of at least six feet should be maintained between L.A. Conservancy docents, staff, and other individuals who have not been isolating together.
  • You can change your reservation date if you contact us at info@laconservancy.org at least 24 hours before your original reservation date.
  • No pets.
  • This tour is not recommended for young children.
  • Strollers not recommended.
  • ​If a member of your party is in a wheelchair, please let us know in advance by emailing info@laconservancy.org.
All participants in the Los Angeles Conservancy-sponsored Walking Tours knowingly and freely accept and assume all risks, both known and unknown, and AGREE TO RELEASE, DEFEND, INDEMNIFY, NOT SUE, AND HOLD HARMLESS the Los Angeles Conservancy, its principals, officers, employees, volunteers, sponsors, agents and other participants from any and all claims, damages (including medical expenses and attorneys’ fees), injuries and expenses arising out of, or resulting from your voluntary attendance/participation in Walking Tours.

Featured Location(s)

Photo by Adrian Scott Fine/L.A. Conservancy

Eastern Columbia Lofts

From its spectacular clock tower emblazoned with the name Eastern in neon down to its multi-colored terrazzo sidewalks, this 1930 downtown landmark was one of the largest buildings constructed in downtown until after WWII.
Los Angeles Jewelry Center
Photo from Conservancy archives

Los Angeles Jewelry Center

Shining emerald green in the sun, this terra cotta-clad building from 1931 was designed by Claud Beelman for Sun Realty.
Oviatt Building
Photo by Annie Laskey/L.A. Conservancy

Oviatt Building

Formerly the headquarters of one of the most prestigious haberdasheries in the city, the 1928 Oviatt Building features Art Deco fixtures and literally tons of Lalique glass.
Photo by Annie Laskey/L.A. Conservancy

Ninth and Broadway Building

Visitors stepping into Claud Beelman's 1930 Ninth and Broadway Building are treated to a dramatic two-story entrance, recessed with heavy piers capped by a segmented arch.
Photo courtesy Rising Realty Partners

PacMutual

Designed by premier L.A. architects, the former headquarters of Pacific Mutual Life Insurance is now teeming with new life as creative office space.
Photo by Annie Laskey/L.A. Conservancy

The CalEdison

One of the first all-electrically heated and cooled buildings constructed in the western United States, this fourteen-story, steel-framed 1931 treasure follows a classically inspired Art Deco design.
Fox Jewelry Plaza
Photo by Annie Laskey/L.A. Conservancy

Fox Jewelry Plaza

Owned by William Fox of Fox Films, this 1932 office building is clad in mauve terra cotta, and features geometric designs typical of the Art Deco style.
Wholesale Jewelry Mart
Photo by Annie Laskey/L.A. Conservancy

Wholesale Jewelry Mart

Combining Art Deco massing and setbacks with Gothic details, the 1925 structure was one of the earliest Moderne projects by Claud Beelman with his partner Alec Curlett.