Although considered a very modern city, Los Angeles is steeped in history. Visitors can learn about the city's first settlement at El Pueblo de Los Angeles, or go even farther back in time at the La Brea Tar Pits. Los Angeles is a city of great diversity and its museums reflect that variety. Of course the Hollywood section of the city is the world-famous home of the motion picture industry. Tourists can explore the history of the industry at the Hollywood History Museum or take a tour of the city's remaining historic movie theaters.
Spanish Influence
In 1781 a multi-ethnic group of 44 people established the farming settlement that became Los Angeles. El Pueblo de Los Angeles sits on that site to this day. The 44-acre district features museums, historic buildings and Olvera Street. Visitors can tour the historic homes Sepulveda House and the Avila Adobe. Olvera Street's stores sell Mexican crafts, food and souvenirs. Several Mexican restaurants are located on the street as well. During the year, Olvera hosts festivals, such as Cinco de Mayo, Dia de Los Muertos on November 1 and Las Posadas, a Christmastime event that represents the journey of Mary and Joseph. Guided walking tours of Olvera Street are available at the Las Angelitas del Pueblo office.
Multicultural Experiences
In the 19th century, Olvera Street became Los Angeles' first Chinatown. The Chinese-American Museum hosts changing exhibits dedicated to the history of the Chinese experience in America, particularly in California. Two permanent exhibits include the recreation of the interior of a Chinese herb shop from 1890 and "Journeys" which examines the Chinese immigrant experience in America. The Japanese-American National Museum features exhibits devoted to the Japanese experience in America, as well as Japanese art. The museum houses several exhibits that explore the dark history of the World War II Japanese-American internment camps. Los Angeles is home to the Simon Wiesenthal Center and its Museum of Tolerance. The museum features exhibits about the Holocaust, as well as other forms of bigotry and hatred. Through exhibits and events the museum seeks to fight prejudice in its many forms.
Architecture
The Bradbury Building, on Broadway, is the oldest commercial building in Los Angeles. The building is open to the public. Los Angeles contains six structures designed by famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Although most are private homes, visitors can drive by them or visit Barnsdall Arts Center, also designed by Wright. The Los Angeles Conservancy offers walking tours of the city and Red Line Tours features a tour of historic L.A.
Hollywood
The Hollywood Museum explores the industry that made Los Angeles world famous. The museum features approximately 10,000 pieces of memorabilia from films and television shows. The Max Factor rooms feature exhibits devoted to the history of film makeup. The Los Angeles Conservancy's "Broadway Theaters" tour takes visitors to the classic movie theaters still standing in the city.
Pre-history
The Page Museum examines Los Angeles before there were movie stars or even people. The museum and the adjacent La Brea Tar Pits contain Ice Age fossils. The museum's exhibits explain what Los Angeles was like 10,000 to 40,000 years ago. The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles features exhibits of the history of animal and plant life. The museum is home to the finest example of a mosasaur fossil on earth. Other exhibits explore geology, climate and the environment.
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