Barnsdall Art Park

A Historic Hilltop Haven

Perched atop Olive Hill in East Hollywood, Barnsdall Art Park spreads across 11.5 acres of cultural and recreational space. From this elevated vantage point, you can enjoy panoramic views of Los Angeles, the Hollywood Hills, Griffith Park, the Griffith Observatory, and the iconic Hollywood sign in the distance.

The park has a fascinating backstory: in 1927, oil heiress and arts enthusiast Aline Barnsdall gifted this land and its buildings to Los Angeles specifically for arts and recreation - a legacy that continues to thrive today.

Residence A stands as an important companion to the main Hollyhock House

Architectural Gem

The main attraction of the park is Hollyhock House, designed by renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Completed in 1921 as Barnsdall's residence, this remarkable structure represents Wright's first Los Angeles project and achieved UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 2019 - a pretty big deal in the architecture world.

If you're interested in architectural history, you can tour the house Thursday through Sunday for a reasonable price. It's a rare opportunity to step inside Wright's vision and understand the innovative thinking behind his designs.

Kaleidoscope sculpture by Jesus Y. Dominguez creates a striking geometric focal point

Cultural Heart

True to its founder's intentions, the park is a center for arts and culture. The Los Angeles Municipal Art Gallery sits within the grounds, showcasing contemporary art Thursday through Sunday from 11AM to 4PM.

Both adults and kids can tap into their creative side at the Barnsdall Art Center and Junior Arts Center, which offer various art classes all year long. Summer brings an extra dose of culture with wine tastings, outdoor films under the stars, and special performances - the charming Bob Baker Marionettes shows are particularly delightful.

The park features rows of tightly planted pine trees

Natural Beauty

History quite literally grows from the ground here, with the park's historic olive grove featuring trees that date back to the late 19th century when this hill was an olive orchard. Recent restoration work has brought new life to the grove, with additional olive trees planted to complement the venerable old-timers.

The expansive open lawn area makes for a wonderful picnic spot or a place to simply lie back and appreciate the Los Angeles skyline. We find this grassy hill especially nice at sunset, when the city lights begin to appear below.

Interior window frames a view of the lush central courtyard

Practical Matters

The park offers free parking both at the top and bottom of the hill, however spaces can fill up quickly during weekends and special events.

When nature calls, you'll find portable toilets with foot-pump handwashing stations near the main lawn. If you're visiting when the gallery is open, you can access the public restrooms there.

Dog owners, rejoice - your four-legged friends are welcome here, but they must stay leashed. You'll notice security staff making regular rounds within the grounds, ensuring everyone stays safe and follows the rules.

Tree-lined pathway leads from the parking area to Hollyhock House

Behind the Scenes

The City of Los Angeles owns Barnsdall Art Park, with day-to-day operations handled by the Department of Cultural Affairs and support from the Department of Recreation and Parks. The non-profit Barnsdall Art Park Foundation also plays a vital role in managing activities and supporting the park's cultural mission.