The Los Angeles City Hall was erected in 1928. It is the seat of the government of the city and the place of civic pride, and it is situated at the downtown Civic Centre at 200 North Spring Street. It’s an Art Deco tower of 32 stories and was erected as a commemoration of the ambition of the city, and became the tallest structure in Los Angeles. The building was designed to symbolise a unity with concrete, which contained sand from all the California counties and water from all the historic missions. This City Hall is a government office complex which includes the office of the Mayor and the City Council. The building is accessible to the public who want to visit the deck on the 27th floor, as the deck provides a spectacular 360-degree panoramic view of the city. The interior of the building is also grand, with a rotunda, beautiful murals and splendid architecture.
What Can You See and Do at Los Angeles City Hall?
Here are the five best things to see and do at Los Angeles City Hall:
- Visit the Observation Deck (27th Floor): The observation deck, which is free of cost, provides a 360 panoramic view of Los Angeles and environs. You have to go through security with a visitor badge. Board the lift to the 27th floor and go to the observation deck. It is available on Monday to Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM.
- Explore the Rotunda and Interiors: The interior has impressive high ceilings, chandeliers, and marble walls that were inspired by the 1928 Art Deco architect. There is also a large room on the 27th floor that is highly vaulted and is called the Mayor Tom Bradley Room, where ceremonies are conducted.
- Learn About Civic History: City Hall was constructed in 1926-1928 as the tallest building in Los Angeles, and it was designed with the purpose of withstanding an earthquake. The iconic architecture of the building has attracted film buffs to use the building as a filming location over the decades in movies and television shows.
- Attend a City Council Meeting: The people with an invitation attend the City Council and Committee meetings at the John Ferraro Council Chamber at Room 340. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays are the regular days when the meetings take place at 10 AM. People without an invitation are not allowed to enter the meeting room.
- Explore the Grounds and Memorials: The city hall itself is a grandiose plaza, which is the centre of relaxation and the Gloria Molina Grand Park for enjoyment. The park includes a memorial fountain, a wadeable pool and an outdoor performance area, having excellent views of the City Hall. The Lindbergh Beacon, a beacon of an aeroplane named after Charles A. Lindbergh, is also visible from the top of the City Hall pyramid.
How to Get to Los Angeles City Hall?
Here are the four best ways to go to at Los Angeles City Hall:
- By Metro: The Los Angeles City Hall is near the Civic Centre station of Metro B (Red) and D (Purple) subway lines, and the Historic Broadway station of the Metro A (Blue) and E (Expo) light rail lines. It costs $1.75 per ride.
- By Bus: The Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT) offers numerous buses, such as the Downtown Area Short Hop (DASH) and Commuter Express. These are all provide best services to go to the City Hall.
- By Limo and Car Services: With limousine service Los Angeles, you can book a ride with the service as Los Angeles Limo Service, Area Limo Services or ridesharing applications as Uber, Lyft, or Curb. A limo is the luxurious and easy way to reach at time a meeting at City Hall.
- By Walking or Biking: Walking or biking is an easy way to go to the city Hall when you live near the Hall. Always wear a helmet before riding a bike.
What Are the Entry Fees and Timings of the Los Angeles City Hall?
The Los Angeles City Hall has no entry fee. It opens from Monday to Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM.
Where to Eat Near Los Angeles City Hall?
Here are the five best eating places at the Los Angeles City Hall:
- Grand Central Market (5-Minute Walk): Grand Central Market is an indoor food hall that has vendors and a vibrant atmosphere. It serves Mexican-style dishes such as fresh shrimp ceviche, tostadas or Tacos Tumbras a Tomas, which have huge and juicy tacos. There are also Villa Tacos located in Villa, which offers tacos in the form of quesadillas, and Golden Road is famous for beers and pub food.
- Kendall’s Brasserie: Brasserie is an upscale French restaurant with a spirited and classy ambience located at the Music Centre. The interior is decorated with mid-century French-inspired art, and there is also an outdoor patio. It offers French traditional cuisine with a Californian flavour. The menu is seasonally driven, some famous dishes are Steak Frites, Beef Tartar and Pei Mussels in Lemongrass Coconut Broth.
- Philippe The Original: Philippe is an old-fashioned and vintage ambience with sawdust floors and communal tables. Customers queue at the counter, which is long and is serviced by the carvers. It’s famous meal is the French Dip sandwich that is served on a French roll soaked in pan juices. It also serves potato salad and coleslaw, beef stew and chilli.
- Blue Bottle Coffee: Blue Bottle Coffee is a stylish and uncomplicated cafe situated within the historic Bradbury Building, close to the City Hall. The cafe is in a clean design and relaxed ambience. It offers high-end coffee beverages, ranging from Espresso to Nola Cold Foam. There are also pastries (such as chocolate croissants) and light food such as avocado toast.
- Otium: Otium is a contemporary American restaurant located right beside The Broad museum and has an open kitchen with a polished rustic atmosphere. Otium’s Chef Timothy Hollingsworth cooked colourful food based on his world travels and food experiences. It serves potato dishes and corn agnolotti.
