The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels is the diocesan mother church and an important modern architectural attraction. The building, constructed by a Spanish architect, Rafael Moneo, the winner of the Pritzker Prize. It was constructed for the old Cathedral of Saint Vibiana, which was seriously affected by the Northridge earthquake in 1994. The new cathedral was dedicated on September 2, 2002, and is a vivid example of postmodern architecture, adobe-colored concrete and extensive use of the alabaster windows, rather than the old stained glass, and a complex base-isolating system to protect against earthquakes.
What Can You See and Do at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels?
Here are the six best things to see and do at Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels:
- Admire the Architecture: Cathedral of Our Lady has postmodern architecture that contrasts with traditional Gothic cathedrals. The cathedral was completed in 2002 and designed by the Pritzker Prize-winning architect. The design of the building has a series of acute and obtuse angles. The cathedral has alabaster windows that light up the interior of the cathedral. The whole building is based on base isolators, enabling the building to shift in an earthquake to remain alive.
- Visit the Main Sanctuary: The central sanctuary (nave) is an open area that is large but made to feel approachable and human-sized in spite of its size. Tourists enjoy the height of the interior space, the quality of the acoustics and the contemporary art on the walls.
- Explore the Mausoleum: The crypt mausoleum is found at the lower level, and it is the tomb of the late archbishops and other prominent among the laity, including actor Gregory Peck. It is also the resting place and relics of Saint Vibiana, the patron saint of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, and has lovely restored stained-glass windows in the Cathedral of the late St. Vibiana.
- View the Tapestries of Saints: The walls inside have an impressive hand-woven sequence of huge tapestries, which were designed by an artist named John Nava. These tapestries represent a large procession of 135 saints and blesseds living in various historical times and cultures and provide a peculiar visual image of Catholic traditions.
- Relax in the Plaza and Gardens: The cathedral complex contains a large outdoor plaza with three fountains, a children’s playground containing sculptures of biblical animals, and one area that honours Our Lady of Guadalupe. It is a tranquil place in the middle of downtown LA, an ideal location to have some time to reflect or take a walk. There is also a cafe and a gift shop on the campus.
- Attend Special Events & Services: It is the mother church of the Archdiocese, and its main activity is to attend Mass, where several languages are used on Sundays. Various musical events and performances are also presented in the cathedral, such as a free public organ recital every first Wednesday of the month.
How to Get to the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels?
Here are the three best ways to go to the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels:
- By Metro: The Metro ride to the Pico Station is a short distance to the cathedral. The cathedral is a walking distance of Pico Station. It costs $1.75 per ride.
- By Bus: Dash buses pass by the cathedral, and there is a bus stop just to the right of the building.
- By Limo and Car Services: Get your limousine service Los Angeles to drop you right in front of the cathedral, either on Hill Street or Temple Street. It is a quick and straightforward mode of travel, particularly when you are visiting a service or an occasion in the premises.
What Are the Entry Fees and Timings of the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels?
The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels has no entry fee. It opens Monday-Friday from 7 AM to 12 PM and on Sunday from 8 AM to 10 AM.
Where to Eat Near the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels?
Here are the five best eating places at Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels:
- Galero Grill: Galero Grill is a grab-and-go type of cafe that is situated on the plaza of the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels. It offers classic food, such as burgers, fries, and sandwiches, as well as local food such as tacos and quesadillas. There is not much seating indoors, but it has a large European-style plaza that seats more than 200.
- Kendall’s Brasserie: Kendall, Brasserie is located in The Music Centre, and is influenced by the art of mid-century France and the art of Henri Matisse. The new small-scale design with renovated space has comfortable booths with velvet backing and patio tables on the street. The menu contains high-tech and sophisticated versions of traditional French cuisine and seasonal ingredients. Their specialities are steak frites and prime beef bourguignon.
- Otium: Otium is a modern restaurant in America that is situated close to the Broad Museum, a short distance from the cathedral. It is designed to be a social dining experience with an open kitchen that has an indoor and outdoor environment. Its name is based on the Latin word for a recreational place. The menu has American cuisine by chef Timothy Hollingsworth.
- Grand Central Market: It is a historic downtown building which has been in operation since 1917 and currently serves as a busy food hall. Its structure still has the old-world touch that has a free and market-like environment. It accommodates more than 40 vendors dealing with a variety of international and local foods. The dishes that deserve attention are tacos offered by Villa, handmade sausages by Maple Block, and pastries offered by Fat and Flour.
- Redbird: Redbird is situated in the former Vibiana cathedral rectory building and offers modern American cuisine under the influences of the diverse culture of Los Angeles. It has a distinct design that incorporates the ancient grandeur and modern elegant style. The eating areas are comprised of an indoor space having a closeable roof, wood-burning rotisserie, outdoor patio and garden. The restaurant has some of the new foods like Day Boat Scallops, Short Rib Hash, and Duck Confit Chilaquiles.
