Dedicate a day to discovering contemporary art, edgy fashion and experimental cuisine with a visit to the Los Angeles Arts District. The Arts District began in the 1970s when artists moved their studios into the area’s disused factories and warehouses. Today the art and entrepreneurial spirit has spilled onto the streets in the form of murals, galleries and boutiques.
Overflowing with murals on buildings, storefronts and walls, the area’s streets appear to be an open-air museum. Spot works by notable street artists such as El Mac, Hueman and Shepard Fairey. See notable pieces including El Mac’s La Abuelita, which portrays a Navajo blanket weaver from Arizona, and Shepard Fairey’s Peace Goddess. Undiscovered America by East Crew 2000 represents the cultures and achievements of Native American communities.
Find more art at the district’s many galleries. Art Share L.A. has exhibition halls, a performance stage and in-house artist studios. Peruse the work of contemporary painters, photographers and sculptors, such as Barbara T. Smith and Wally Hedrick, at The Box. Explore modern architecture and design at the A+D Architecture and Design Museum.
Vintage and retro wares fill the shelves of quirky boutiques in the Arts District. Browse for everything from cassettes and VHS tapes to stickers and slogan T-shirts. Shop for trendy street wear and chic clothing of up-and-coming designers. Make an appointment to visit the Japanese Cultural Village, the private home and workspace of fashion designer Peter Lai.
From acai berry and smoothie bowls to robatayaki barbecue, steamed buns and tacos, you’ll find culinary options to suit most tastes. Sample craft brews on a guided tour of the Angel City Brewery. Enjoy exhibitions, street art demonstrations, live music and yoga at The Container Yard. Two Bit Circus has dozens of retro arcade games, virtual reality experiences and karaoke rooms.
Find the Arts District on the eastern edge of Downtown Los Angeles. Travel here by tram, stopping at the Little Tokyo/Arts District stop. Union Station is about 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers) north.
