When it comes to architecture in Los Angeles, no two buildings are quite the same. From Mid-century modern style homes to futurist Googie-inspired coffee shops, there are so many architectural gems to admire in LA.
These structures, houses, and buildings scattered throughout the city aren’t just nice to look at, they hold a historical significance as well. Keep reading to discover Los Angeles’ must-see architecture.
The Getty Center, Los Angeles
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Built by Richard Meier in 1997, The Getty Center is home to sculptures, paintings, and decorative art from 19th-century to present day. With incredible views of Los Angeles, this building attracts 1.8 million visitors annually. Besides admiring art, you can also tour the center’s architectural features and outdoor gardens. Admission is free but reservations are timed.
Fun fact: The Getty Center has a team that designs special systems to protect sculptures, furniture, and art from earthquake damage.
The Eames House, Pacific Palisades
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Located in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, Ray and Charles Eames built this house in 1949 to serve as their home and studio. The Eames House had a large impact on modernist architecture and was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 2006.
Fun fact: Although this home is now a private residence, the owner allows self-guided tours of the exterior.
The Stahl House, Hollywood Hills
The Stahl House, also known as Case Study House #22, is a modernist dream home in Hollywood Hills designed by Pierre Koenig in 1960. The Stahl House has incredible views of the city, floor-to-ceiling windows, and an outdoor pool. In 1999, the home was made a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument.
Fun fact: This Hollywood hot spot has been used in many photoshoots, films, and campaigns, including The Simpsons, Nurse Betty, and The Marrying Man. It is also a home you can buy in Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas.
Pann’s Restaurant, Westchester
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This classic 1950s coffee shop was designed by Eldon Davis and Helen Liu Fong and is known for its history, role in films, and Googie architecture. Googie is a style of architecture that was a way to symbolize the future influenced by car culture, jets, the Space Age, and the Atomic Age. Pann’s is one of the best-preserved examples of Davis’ Googie architecture.
Fun fact: Pann’s serves breakfast all day and champagne brunches on the weekend.
Sheats–Goldstein Residence, Los Angeles
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John Lautner designed and built this home in Los Angeles between 1961 and 1963. Sheats-Goldstein Residence is an example of American Organic architecture and is one of the best-known examples of Lautner’s work. This house has been donated to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.
Fun fact: Rihanna hosted her 27th birthday at this location. Nelly also shot most of his music video for “The Fix” featuring Jeremih at this house in 2015.
Whether you’re a local, a tourist, or new to the city, there are so many architectural styles and buildings to admire in Los Angeles, including Common homes. From the beautifully furnished rooftop deck at Common Melrose to the perfect kitchen for hosting at Common Elmwood, Common homes aren’t just nice to look at, but great to live in too.
Still interested in learning more about beautiful architecture? Explore our Los Angeles homes today.
